India Welcomes Back Samson and Axar for T20 World Cup Clash Against Zimbabwe
In a crucial T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s match in Chennai, defending champions India have brought back Sanju Samson and Axar Patel to face Zimbabwe on Thursday. Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza, won the toss and opted to bowl first.
After a disappointing loss against South Africa in their previous Super 8s encounter, India made these changes, which saw Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar make way for the returning players.
The crowd at Chepauk erupted with cheers as Suryakumar Yadav announced Samson’s name at the toss. The wicketkeeper-batter is set to play for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL 2026, having recently signed from Rajasthan Royals, and the local fans have quickly taken a liking to him.
Samson was also the first Indian player to participate in warm-ups, engaging in catching drills and some football with Rinku Singh, who he replaced in the lineup. This marks his return after being on the bench, where he last played during India’s victory over Namibia, scoring 22 runs off just eight balls.
Suryakumar confirmed he will take on wicketkeeping duties, while Ishan Kishan steps aside. The decision to bring back Samson also addresses concerns regarding the three left-handers at the top of India’s order, a point raised by batting coach Sitanshu Kotak ahead of the match.
Zimbabwe has done their homework as well, preparing specifically to bowl wide to left-handers and marking the pitch for their spinners, a strategy that could change with Samson’s inclusion.
Axar Patel’s return is also significant, as he was left out against South Africa in favor of Washington Sundar. Following the heavy defeat, the coaching staff wasted no time in bringing back Axar.
On the other side, Zimbabwe has made one change, bringing in Tinotenda Maposa for Richard Cremer.
India’s path to the semifinals is still in their hands, as wins against Zimbabwe and the West Indies will secure their spot, with net run rate not being a concern. Earlier on Thursday, South Africa’s victory over the West Indies clarified India’s situation further.
India’s Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.
Zimbabwe’s Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
