Sanju Samson will don the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the entire crowd in Chennai will go gung-ho over him. But before that, the Kerala superstar might turn up at the Chepauk Stadium in the blue of India. There’s not much going right for the Men in Blue as far as the batting is concerned at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Abhishek Sharma has been the worst batter in the tournament despite his No. 1 ranking. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav have struck under 125. Hardik Pandya hasn’t set the stage on fire, while India’s poor batting against spin isn’t a secret anymore. With now India facing a must-win situation against Zimbabwe on February 26 in Chennai, India, they are contemplating tweaking their batting.
Sanju Samson to play in IND vs ZIM?
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has hinted that India might look to slot in Sanju Samson in the next game. When asked about if Samson is considered for the playing XI, Kotak put forward that the Indian management is thinking about maing changes for the next match, while also stressing on the current left-hand-heavy batting lineup. Currently, India have six left-handers in their top eight. Suryakumar Yadav and Pandya are the only right-handers.
“There have been discussions around that (Sanju Samson in the playing XI). We are thinking about making changes for the next match because both openers are left-handed and the number three batter is also left-handed. So we will see because we never decide the team early. But there will be thoughts.“
If we take notes out of Sitanshu’s press conference on the eve of the India vs Zimbabwe clash, Samson is more or less confirmed to play in Chennai. He had an extended practice session on Tuesday, batting for hours in the nets. On the contrary, Abhishek Sharma rolled his arms over before facing net bowlers and not specialists. However, Abhishek would be the last batter on whom India would lack support. It is not about Abhishek vs Samson.
Samson is most likely to replace Rinku Singh. Yes, the Indian finisher, who has had a quiet T20 World Cup 2026 so far, recently missed the training in Chennai as he went to check up on his ill father. In replacing Rinku, Samson will also ease the left-hand and right-hand ratio in the team. Samson, who has done well in the middle-order, might just bat at No. 3 to break the left-hand heavy lineup up top.
Cricket
India coach confirms Sanju Samson's likelihood to play in must-win IND vs ZIM clash
