![India probable playing XI Vs Zimbabwe [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772015750680_IndiaplayingXIVsZimbabwe.jpg?type=hq)
India probable playing XI Vs Zimbabwe [Source: AFP]
India were the firm favourites to reach the semifinals of the T20 World Cup from their group, but South Africa gave them a reality check by thrashing the Men in Green in a one-sided contest to dent India’s chances. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side lost by a whopping 76-run margin, and now, the team needs to win both their games to have any hopes of qualifying.
It seems as though the reigning World Champions were a bit overconfident against the Proteas, and the Aiden Markram-led side outplayed the hosts, leaving India needing a miracle to advance to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Neither India’s bowling looked threatening, nor did the batters show any fight against the Proteas side. Several players underperformed, and this trend has been evident throughout the tournament. The Men in Blue certainly need changes for the next big match against Zimbabwe, and here is how the team could lineup against the Chevrons.
India Playing XI Vs Zimbabwe- T20 World Cup 2026
Openers and Top order: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan
India has plenty to ponder when it comes to their batting department. Barring Ishan Kishan, and Shivam Dube, none of the batters have delivered the goods, including star batters, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma.
Abhishek recorded three successive ducks in the ongoing tournament, while Tilak has failed at number 3, and has played numerous sluggish knocks. One of them has to go out, and Sanju Samson has to be included in the playing XI. But who will make way for him? Abhishek or Tilak?
In an ideal scenario, Abhishek has been a bigger disappointment, but as seen numerous times, Indian management, including Gautam Gambhir, has backed him, and they need his aggressive batting at the top, especially if India is to improve their dismal net run-rate.
As a result, Tilak Varma, who has struggled with his strike-rate, could be left out, and Sanju Samson could be drafted in the XI, with him playing at the top, and Kishan moving down to number 3.
Also Read: Abhishek Sharma Or Tilak Varma, Who Will Sanju Samson Replace? India Batting Coach Speaks
Middle order and all-rounders: Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
India needs Suryakumar Yadav to be at his best against Zimbabwe if the team has to improve its net run-rate. Apart from the USA clash, Surya has looked out of touch, but he needs to step up for the Indian team at number 4.
The rest of the batting lineup could be used as floaters with each player (Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel all used according to situations).
If India needs quick-fire runs in the middle, Hardik can be used at 5, and if they need stability, Rinku or Axar could be promoted to bat after Suryakumar.
As revealed by CREX, Rinku Singh will take part in the T20 World Cup match against Zimbabwe. Moreover, Axar, who was left out of the last game, should come in to replace the out-of-form, Washington Sundar.
Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah was back to his best against South Africa as he etched his name in the history books. The right-arm pacer will be the leader of the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, who also had a brilliant game against the Proteas.
Despite having a rare off-day against South Africa, Chakravarthy will lead India’s spin department, as the team needs him to take wickets in the middle-overs.
India likely playing XI Vs Zimbabwe- T20 World Cup 2026
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Also Read: Exclusive: Rinku Singh Family Emergency- Update Arrives On IND vs ZIM Participation
