Tilak, Rinku & Sundar OUT, Samson IN? India's Probable Playing XI vs Zimbabwe Super 8

The Indian Men’s National Cricket Team is expected to make some key changes in the playing XI for the crucial Super 8 match against Zimbabwe Men’s National Cricket Team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The match between India and Zimbabwe will be played on February 26, 2026, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

It’s going to be a must-win game for Team India to remain in contention for the semi-final race. After a massive defeat against South Africa, the Indian Team management will be looking to make some changes in the Playing XI to fill the gaps. The Players like Sanju Samson and Axar Patel are expected to return for the crucial game against Zimbabwe.

The Players like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma and Rinku Singh are struggling with form, and the tournament is now at a very crucial stage where a single mistake can cost them a chance for the semi-finals. Team India is struggling with consistency in the tournament despite having one of the best squads.

Axar Patel to replace Sundar in Playing XI?

Washington Sunder, who got the chance in the match against South Africa, failed to contribute with both bat and ball. He is likely to be replaced by Axar Patel in the game against Zimbabwe. Axar is a more reliable option, and he is a proven player in tough situations as compared to the Washington Sunder.

​Sanju Samson to open against Zimbabwe?​

Sanju Samson is expected to return in the Playing XI, and he is likely to open against Zimbabwe as he is known for his aggressive batting. However, the big question is who will be replaced by Sanju Samson in the Playing XI. Tilak Verma is one of the closest choices, but he is quite a consistent player at No.3.

​Is Rinku Singh playing in the India vs Zimbabwe match?

​After the match against South Africa, Rinku Singh left the team due to a family emergency, but he will join the team on the night of February 25, 2026. Therefore, Rinku Singh is likely to play against Zimbabwe, but there are speculations that he might be rested for the match, and Kuldeep Yadav will replace him in the Playing XI.

India’s Probable Playing XI vs Zimbabwe

India’s Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.

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