India coach all but confirms Sanju Samson’s return to Playing XI vs Zimbabwe

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dropped a big hint that big changes could be coming to the playing XI for the do-or-die Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 26.

Sitanshu Kotak hints at major Playing XI changes for do-or-die Zimbabwe clash

Kotak shared that the Indian cricket team is seriously thinking about bringing Sanju Samson back into the side after recent top-order failures in the tournament.

The defending champions are reviewing their combination carefully, as the openers failed in the last three games and put pressure on the middle order and disturbed the team’s rhythm.

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Sitanshu Kotak said at the pre-match press conference, “There have been discussions around that (on Samson), and we are thinking. We will see because we never decide the team early. But there will be thoughts.”

Sanju Samson likely to return as India rework top order after repeated failures

Another concern is the presence of multiple left-handers in the lineup. The rival teams have smartly used off-spinners early in the innings to create trouble in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Well, Kotak said that they are set to address this issue in Chennai.

However, the final call will be taken on the match day. He added, “There can be changes in the game. We are thinking of the top three left-handers and the opposition’s bowling off spin. Now that we have lost openers early in 3 matches, we are talking about it.”

To be continued…