India could see a key change in their playing XI ahead of the crucial Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe on 26 February at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Reports suggest that Sanju Samson is the frontrunner to replace Rinku Singh, who is dealing with a family emergency.
With India’s semifinal hopes hanging by a thread after a heavy loss to South Africa, the team management is keen on strengthening the batting unit and improving the net run rate. The possible inclusion of Samson is being seen as a tactical move rather than just a forced replacement.
Why Rinku Singh Is Unlikely to Feature
Rinku Singh has been one of India’s reliable middle-order finishers in recent times, but his availability for the Zimbabwe match is uncertain due to personal reasons. Team sources indicate that the management is prepared with a like-for-like batting option rather than reshuffling the entire order.
In such a scenario, Sanju Samson fits the requirement best, offering experience, flexibility and right-handed balance at the top.
Sanju Samson Recent T20I Form at a Glance
Although Samson has not played many matches in the ongoing World Cup, his recent numbers remain solid across formats.
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup 2026 | 1 | 22 | – | 275.00 |
| Last 5 T20Is | 5 | 127 | 25.40 | 138+ |
| IPL 2025 (RR) | 12 | 387 | 35.18 | 152.00 |
His short cameo against Namibia showed his intent, while his IPL 2025 season proved he can play both anchor and aggressor roles when required.
Also see: England vs Pakistan: Harry Brook’s Century Seals Semi-Final Spot for England
Tactical Reason Behind Samson’s Inclusion
India’s batting line-up has struggled against off-spin and slow bowlers in the Super 8 stage, mainly due to a cluster of left-handed batters at the top. South Africa exposed this weakness effectively.
Sanju Samson brings three key advantages:
- Right-handed balance in the top order
- Ability to attack spin in the powerplay
- Experience of playing on slower Indian pitches like Chennai
Former players and analysts have also backed this move, pointing out that Samson can play fearless cricket when given clarity of role.
Possible India Playing XI vs Zimbabwe
If the change is confirmed, India’s batting order could look more settled and flexible.
Probable XI:
- Ishan Kishan
- Sanju Samson
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
This combination allows India to bat deep while maintaining enough bowling options on a spin-friendly surface.
Sanju Samson’s possible return is more than just a replacement decision—it reflects India’s urgent need for balance, intent and adaptability. With pressure mounting and margins getting thinner, all eyes will be on the team sheet in Chennai.
If Samson gets the nod, this could be one of the most talked-about selection calls of the T20 World Cup 2026.
