Sanju Samson Back! Who Has BCCI Replaced In India Playing XI In T20 World Cup Vs Zimbabwe?

Why has Samson replaced Rinku Singh [Source: AFP]

India entered the T20 World Cup as the firm favourites to clinch the trophy. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side faced minor hiccups in the group stage, but they managed to reach the Super 8. However, the team faced a reality check as South Africa humbled them by 76 runs as India’s net run-rate slipped to -3.800.

India will take on Zimbabwe in Chennai, followed by a clash against the West Indies to end the Super 8 stage. After the defeat against the Proteas, India has no choice but to win both games, and their first stop is against a confident-looking Zimbabwe team.

Who has Sanju Samson replaced in India's playing XI

During the coin flip for the all-important match, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza called it right as he elected to bowl first, with the skipper expecting some dew as the match progress. India made two key changes, with Axar Patel coming in for Washington, and fan favourite, Sanju Samson also back in the lineup.

Who has the Kerala batter replaced in the playing XI?

In a surprising turn of events, Samson has replaced Rinku Singh in the playing XI. The middle-order batter was woefully out of touch and had also flown back to his home as his father was unwell. However, he was back in time for the contest, but the Indian management decided to include the Kerala batter for this all-important clash.

Also Read: India Qualification Scenario For T20 World Cup Semifinal After West Indies vs Zimbabwe

What Samson brings in place of Rinku?

There is a good chance that Samson might not play at Rinku’s batting position, but rather, the Indian batter could be used at the top alongside Abhishek Sharma. To counter the Sikandar Raza off-break threat, a right-hander is needed at the top, and hence, it looks like Samson is drafted in the India XI.

While the other Indian batters have been struggling against spinners, Samson has a good game against them, and could come in handy as the right-handed batter can work as the aggressor against spinners.

Rinku was going through a rough patch in the ongoing World Cup, and by including Samson in the side, India will likely go in with a lefty-right opening combination, and Tilak Varma, another struggling batter could be used at Rinku’s batting position.

IND Vs ZIM Playing XIs

India Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

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

Last chance for Samson to stamp his authority

Samson previously played against Namibia in the T20 World Cup 2026 game, and he scored a quick-fire 22 before getting dropped for the next match. In four out of five games, he has warmed the bench, and hence, this opportunity against Zimbabwe could be his last.

If he performs and delivers the goods, he can be accommodated for the next match as well. However, a failure against the Chevrons and his T20I career could be in jeopardy.

Also Read: IND vs ZIM Toss Report: Sanju Samson Replaces India Star As SKY And Co Asked To Bat