Sanju Samson all set to feature in India’s must-win clash vs Zimbabwe
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 25, 2026
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Defending champions India are on the brink of a crucial moment in their T20 World Cup campaign as they prepare for a must-win clash against Zimbabwe in Chennai. The team is contemplating strategic changes to their opening partnership, which has struggled significantly since the start of the Super Eights stage. Opener Abhishek Sharma's recent form slump, including three consecutive ducks, has compounded India's batting woes. With qualification to the semi-finals hanging in the balance, the team is considering wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson as a potential solution at the top of the order. Samson, a right-handed batter, could offer much-needed balance to India's left-heavy opening pair.
India’s situation is critical after their heavy 76-run loss to South Africa in their first Super Eights match. The defending champions now need wins in their remaining two matches to secure progression. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has confirmed that the team is discussing possible adjustments, including changes to their opening lineup. Kotak acknowledged the challenges posed by India's predominantly left-handed top order, which opponents like Pakistan, Netherlands, and South Africa have exploited with off-spin bowling. In the match against South Africa, Ishan Kishan fell for a fourth-ball duck after captain Aiden Markram began with off-spin, highlighting the vulnerability of India’s openers.
The inclusion of Samson could address this issue. He has previously batted at the top of the order during the tournament when Abhishek was unavailable due to illness. Samson's presence might disrupt the opposition's strategy and provide a more balanced approach for India's batting line-up. However, the team is also aware that any changes must be carefully considered to avoid further instability in a format where consistency at the top is crucial.
This pivotal match against Zimbabwe is not just about maintaining India's World Cup hopes but also about how they adapt
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026