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India vs Zimbabwe - (Source:X.com)
On Tuesday, February 26, India squared off against Zimbabwe in their second Super 8 match of T20 World Cup 2026. It is a must-win game for the Men in Blue, who are fresh off a defeat against the Proteas. Another defeat would see India on the brink of an early elimination.
For the do-or-die game, Suryakumar Yadav and Sikandar Raza walked down the centre for toss and the luck favoured the visitors. Notably, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to field first, asking the Suryakumar Yadav-led side to bat.
Talking about team changes, Zimbabwe have made one change to their playing XI,
India vs Zimbabwe: Playing XI
Zimbabwe Playing XI : Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Tony Munyonga, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
India Playing XI : Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
India vs Zimbabwe: Captains Thought
Sikandar Raza: "We are going to bowl first. This is not your usual sort of Chennai wicket. I can see some change in the surface. There is some moisture in the wicket so we want to bowl first. We want to give ourselves the best chance for the seamers in order to make early inroads."
Also Read: Sanju Samson Back! Who Has BCCI Replaced In India Playing XI In T20 World Cup Vs Zimbabwe?
"We certainly need to improve with the ball and also in our fielding from the last game. I think if we can restrict India to a low total, it will boost our energy a lot. Because of that we have made a change as well."
Suryakumar Yadav (India Captain): "No, we are happy with the decision. We wanted to bat first. Absolutely! Sometimes pressure brings out the best from you, and the boys are ready. The mood in the camp is happy and relaxed. Hopefully, we enjoy our cricket tonight."
"I think boosting a lot of energy in the camp. The boys are really happy as I said. The huddle was very good."
Why Did Suryakumar Yadav and Co Drop Rinku Singh?
Before the Zimbabwe game, Rinku Singh had left the Chennai camp to return home and be with his ailing father, who is suffering from stage-four liver cancer. However, the southpaw rejoined the camp on Wednesday.
There were doubts over his availability, but since he returned a day before the match, then his recent visit to Aligarh didn't influence the playing XI. However, the decision could have stemmed out from his recent form.
In the ongoing tournament, Singh has scored just 24 runs in five innings, averaging just 8.00. Therefore, India though of brining in Sanju Samson, who has 22 runs in just one outing.
Also Read: KKR's Troubles Mount For IPL 2026 As Another Pacer Goes For A Toss
