T20 World Cup 2026: Suresh Raina suggests 2 key changes in India’s XI for Zimbabwe Super 8 clash

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As India gears up for their crucial T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight clash against Zimbabwe in Chennai on February 26, former all-rounder Suresh Raina has suggested two strategic changes to the playing XI. Following India’s 76-run loss to South Africa, Raina believes the team needs to balance their batting order and bolster their bowling depth to remain competitive in the race for the semi-finals. Raina’s primary focus is on injecting ‘X-factor’ energy into the middle order and utilizing players who have the local support of the Chennai crowd.

The X-factor move: Sanju Samson in for Tilak Varma

During a discussion on Jiohotstar, Raina has strongly advocated for the inclusion of Sanju Samson at the No. 3 position, replacing Tilak Varma, who managed only 1 run in the previous outing. Raina pointed out that with two left-handers already at the top of the order, bringing in a right-handed batter like Samson would provide much-needed variety and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. Additionally, Raina noted that since Samson was picked by CSK for the IPL 2026 season, the Chennai fans at the Chepauk Stadium would provide him with massive vocal support, potentially boosting his confidence to deliver a match-winning performance.

“You will have to first bring in Axar Patel. Will Tilak Varma play at No. 3 or will Sanju Samson be added there? CSK have taken him this year. So it remains to be seen how he performs there. The fans will definitely support him. I feel you should bring in Sanju at No. 3 because you already have two left-handers at the top. Suryakumar Yadav is batting well,” Raina said.

Strengthening the spin attack: Axar Patel over Washington Sundar

The second change proposed by Raina involves the spin department, where he wants to see Axar Patel return to the lineup in place of Washington Sundar. While Sundar played the last two matches against the Netherlands and South Africa, he remained wicketless in the latter, conceding 17 runs in two overs. Raina believes Axar offers a more reliable all-round package, particularly with his ability to strike lower down the order and his proven track record in high-pressure T20 scenarios. By bringing in Axar, India would gain a more potent bowling option that complements the ‘hard-hitting’ style of Shivam Dube and the finishing skills of Rinku Singh.

“Rinku Singh is there down the order, and if Axar comes in place of Washington Sundar, he also plays well. The hard-hitting Shivam Dube is batting differently. However, can Sanju Samson be the X-factor if a right-handed batter comes there? I feel two changes here – bring Sanju at No. 3 and Axar Patel in place of Washi,” he added.

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The Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup moves to Chennai for a critical encounter between India and Zimbabwe. Both teams are seeking their first points in this round after suffering heavy defeats in their opening matches. India are coming off a 76-run loss to South Africa, which significantly impacted their Net Run Rate (NRR) to -3.800. Zimbabwe also faced a setback, losing to the West Indies by 107 runs after conceding a tournament-high total of 254.

For India, this match is a must-win to remain in contention for the semi-finals. Beyond just securing two points, the team needs a substantial margin of victory to begin repairing their NRR before their final group game against the West Indies. Zimbabwe, having already caused an upset against Australia earlier in the tournament, will look to exploit the spin-friendly conditions at Chepauk to stay alive in the competition. A loss for either side would likely result in mathematical elimination from the tournament.

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