After a shocking defeat against South Africa, Sanju Samson and Axar Patel could return to the playing 11 when India face Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Sanju Samson is set to be back in the playing 11 for India along with Axar Patel. Credits: X
T20 World Cup 2026: The defending champions, India, endured their first defeat of the 2026 T20 World Cup at the hands of South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Proteas completely outplayed the Suryakumar Yadav-led side in the second innings as they recorded a 76-run win.
Having restricted South Africa to 187 on a slightly slowish surface in Ahmedabad, the Indian batting unit never got going. The hosts, for the fourth time in five games in the tournament, lost an opening batter for a duck. However, unlike the first three instances where it was Abhishek Sharma who could not open his account, this time around it was Ishan Kishan who Aiden Markram dismissed in the opening over. There wasn’t any fight shown by the Indian batters as they were rolled over for 111 runs.
The tough defeat could account for changes in the team for future Super 8 games. India is scheduled to play Zimbabwe (26th February) in Chennai before taking on the two-time champions, West Indies (1st March) in Kolkata. With six of the top eight batters being left-handers, Sanju Samson, who is currently sitting on the bench, is being looked at as an option to replace either Abhishek or Tilak Varma.
The right-handed batter has played a solitary game in the tournament against Namibia. Abhishek had to miss that game because of a stomach illness. In his eight-ball stay at the crease against Namibia, Samson scored 22 runs, hitting three sixes and a solitary four. He could be looked at as a possible addition to the top order. Getting Samson back in the team could discourage opposition teams from bowling right-arm off-spin in the powerplay.
Axar for Washington.
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) February 22, 2026
Tilak has been slightly worrying (more than Abhishek actually). Bringing Samson in will break the string of LHB at the top as well. Definitely worth a try.
Alternately, maybe just swap Tilak and SKY. Maybe. https://t.co/FIJllJivph
India’s vice-captain, Axar Patel, remained on the sidelines in Ahmedabad against South Africa as Washington Sundar got the nod from the Indian team management. The decision was described as ‘tactical’ by Suryakumar during the toss, with the presence of left-handers being the reason Axar was snubbed from the team. However, the 32-year-old could get back in the team when India face Zimbabwe in Chennai.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinal Scenario: How India Can Still Qualify After Loss To South Africa
