Team India updates: Surya & Co. likely to make changes for ZIM match

Only Tilak Varma and Varun Chakaravarthy turned up for the optional practice today as Sitanshu Kotak attended the pre-match press conference. He was vocal on India's struggling batting. He also revealed that India are contemplating on including Sanju Samson in the lineup, while also sharing the news thar Rinku Singh has joined the side. 

India desperately need to score a big win over Zimbabwe to stay alive in the competition. 

Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel visited the famous Marundeeswarar Temple in Tiruvanmayur ahead of Do or Die Super 8 Clash Against Zimbabwe #IndvZim #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/QqGqfskcj1

— Arattai Squad (@arattaiSquad) February 25, 2026

With only two players attending the optional practice sessions today the focus should be on tackling spin. That is where the batters are lacking

Sun is shining bright in Chennai

After a long long time … Hello Chepauk #IndvZim pic.twitter.com/6PLqgLIEZP

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) February 25, 2026

Chennai might be a mixed bag of a pitch. The spinners might get some purchase, and there will be runs to score as well. So, India definitely need to get Axar Patel for sure. And Sanju could be a change as well

Sanju Samson is slightly ahead in the pecking order and may play against Zimbabwe.

"There have been discussions around that and we are thinking. We will see because we never decide the team early. But there will be thoughts."

Asked about Tilak Varma's poor strike rate in the tournament, Sitanshu offered a calm statement. He thinks there are no major concerns and no tension regarding Abhishek, Tilak or even the loss to South Africa. 

A massive relief for fans as Rinku Singh will join the Indian camp later today (in the evening). He flew to his home after his father fell ill. However, he will join the team in Chennai before the IND vs ZIM clash. 

"Rinku Singh is joining the team today evening, he went back home because his father is not well."

Sitanshu Kotak accepts that India's last game against South Africa was the "worst" game for the side in last 2 years. 

Sitanshu Kotak: Batting was clicking in bilaterals. This World Cup also last game was a concern. I am not looking at individuals. Last game was worst game we played in last two years. Our openers haven’t clicked. pic.twitter.com/kKjtPiDHtf

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) February 25, 2026

India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak is attending the pre-match press conference on the eve of the India vs Zimbabwe clash. He is posed some tough question, especially considering India's horrible batting against spinners in this T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, a new updated time for India's optional practice session is likely to be 3 PM IST. Moreover, only two players, Tilak Varma and Varun Chakaravarthy, are expected to turn up for the practice on the eve of the IND vs ZIM clash. 

#India’s optional practice session in #Chennai has been delayed from 14:00 local time to 15:00.

Only Tilak Verma and Varun Chakravarthy expected to practice.#Cricket #T20WorldCup2026 #T20WorldCup #INDvsZIM | @im_sandipan @BCCI pic.twitter.com/LPwTiuZwz3

— The CricHub (@thecrichub_live) February 25, 2026

🚨While the scheduled training session was for 2 PM IST, Team India haven't turned up yet. As per a journalist, there are no signs of the Men in Blue at the Chepauk Stadium right now. 

Indian team delayed for their optional practice session ahead of the Zimbabwe clash.
The session was scheduled for 2 PM, but there are still no signs of the squad at Chepauk. #INDvsZIM #T20WorldCup

— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) February 25, 2026

Hardik Pandya, who had a poor game against SA in Ahmedabad, took his time to practice hitting it straight down the ground yesterday. Watch some of his insane shots below. 

At Chepauk, Hardik Pandya looked in ominous touch — launching towering hits all around during the net session. 💥🏏

The intensity in practice says it all. Team India locked in and gearing up strong for the Zimbabwe challenge. 👊🇮🇳#HardikPandya #TeamIndia #INDvsZIM #Chepauk pic.twitter.com/EW1jhv2pHi

— ND Sport (@SportsByND) February 25, 2026

Sikandar Raza is the new World No. 1 T20I all-rounder as per the latest ICC rankings. Shivam Dube has also received a boost. 

ICC Men’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings
Last updated: 25 February 2026

1. Rinku Singh’s absence 
Rinku was missing from the nets after returning home to be with his father, who is battling cancer. 

2. Abhishek Sharma swapped bat for ball early on
Instead of batting straight away, Abhishek spent a large part of the session bowling left-arm spin. He stood beside the nets, speaking to the spinners and observing closely, trying to understand how much the black-soil Chepauk pitch might turn.

3. Late batting stint to rebuild confidence
After nearly 100 minutes of training, Abhishek finally picked up the bat. He faced only practice bowlers — not India’s main spinners or pacers — likely to help him regain rhythm after three ducks and a scratchy 15 in Ahmedabad (which included seven false shots). He batted for about 30 minutes and struck the ball cleanly, even sending a few into the stands while working on his game against off-spin.

4. Suryakumar Yadav’s long power-hitting drill
Surya had an extended two-hour session focused on range-hitting. Despite getting dismissed multiple times by frontline spinners in the nets, he kept attacking. After a slow 22 off 18 against South Africa, he looked intent on freeing himself up ahead of what is expected to be a batting-friendly surface against Zimbabwe.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of India's practice session on the eve of the IND vs ZIM clash. A must win clash for both the teams, who eye their first Super 8 win. At the MA Chidambaram stadium, both have an optional practice session set up.