Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has urged the team’s think tank to play Axar Patel and Sanju Samson in the must-win Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Patel was dropped in the last two games as India preferred Washington Sundar in the playing XI.
Sanju Samson, who has been out of form, had played against Namibia and had managed a little cameo of 8-ball 22. However, as Abhishek Sharma is struggling at the top of the order, having managed only 15 runs in four innings, there have been suggestions to include Samson in the team.
Tilak Varma has also failed to deliver the goods consistently. Rinku Singh is doubtful for the match against Zimbabwe as he had to leave the squad due to a family emergency.
Suresh Raina said on JioHotstar, “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.”
“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.
Meanwhile, the West Indies will take on South Africa in the afternoon game on Thursday, and Raina said the result of this game will define India’s approach against Zimbabwe.
“The Ahmedabad one is very important because the match is happening in the afternoon. Then you will know the equation as to what you need to do in the evening. 200 runs or so won’t be scored that easily in Chennai. You will have to do proper batting,” he said.
“As regards net run rate, you need to first win the two matches. When the last match happens, that match will be in Kolkata, it’s an even smaller ground, the toss will be extremely vital as you would want to chase in fewer overs,” Raina observed.
India will next take on Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Thursday.
