As India prepares for an important Super 8 match against Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Subramaniam Badrinath has proposed his ideal playing XI, highlighting two key changes to enhance team balance and stability.
Following a competitive game against South Africa, Badrinath believes that minor adjustments could have a significant impact in the tournament’s knockout stage.
No place for Tilak Varma
Badrinath’s first major change is to replace the struggling Tilak Varma with Sanju Samson. Varma, who has played five matches, has scored only 107 runs in the tournament. Although he has shown potential before, his inconsistent performance in this series is concerning. With the Super 8 stage being critical, Badrinath thinks India needs a batter who can adapt and perform based on the match situation.
Samson, recognized for his stylish batting and ability to handle spin, could bring a crucial boost to the middle order. His experience in high-pressure situations and versatility against different types of bowling make him a strong choice, particularly against a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling lineup.
Vice-captain Axar Patel to return
The second suggested change by Badrinath involves bringing back vice-captain Axar Patel in place of Washington Sundar. Axar has been a key player for India, taking six wickets and scoring vital runs when needed. His skill in bowling tight overs and taking wickets increases the depth of India’s bowling attack.
On the other hand, Sundar has not yet taken any wickets in the tournament. While he is a capable all-rounder, Badrinath believes Axar’s current form and ability to take wickets make him a better fit for this crucial match.
Badrinath’s suggested XI aims for a balance between aggression and control. The top order promises explosive starts, while the middle order mixes creativity with power. The bowling lineup, led by Jasprit Bumrah and supported by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy, offers variety throughout the match.
Subramaniam Badrinath’s India XI for Zimbabwe clash: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
