In a key development for the Indian Cricket team before their important T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against Zimbabwe, middle-order batter Rinku Singh returned to the squad in Chennai on Wednesday evening. He had to address a family emergency involving his father. The 28-year-old left-handed player had left for Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday after his father’s condition worsened.
Rinku missed Tuesday’s practice because his father, who has been fighting stage-4 liver cancer, was placed on ventilator support in a Greater Noida hospital. His quick return indicates that there may be some improvement at home, but his emotional state is a concern for the team’s management.
However, Rinku’s performance in the tournament has not been impressive. He scored just 24 runs in five innings, averaging 8.00 with a strike rate of 82.75, often batting with limited deliveries remaining. His best showing came against Pakistan, where he scored 11 runs off four balls.
Selection concerns for India team management
While Rinku’s return addresses one issue, it complicates the selection process for the team. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged that changes are being considered after India suffered a heavy 76-run loss to South Africa, their largest defeat in T20 World Cup history.
“There can be changes, yes. We are discussing everything because we have two left-handers as openers and a left-hander at number three, and the opposition also has an off-spinner. Since we lost wickets early in the last three games, any team would think about changes,” Kotak stated in a pre-match press conference.
The main focus is on wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who drew attention during an extended net session on Tuesday. His right-handed batting and skill against spin may strengthen India’s performance against off-spin, which has been a weakness in the powerplay against other teams.
When asked if Samson’s practice suggested his selection, Kotak said, “Sometimes he wants to do some drills, but I don’t think net sessions give any indications. But, definitely, there will be thoughts about playing him.”
If Samson is included, management must decide between Rinku and Tilak Varma, who has also struggled this tournament. Varma has only scored 107 runs in five innings, averaging 21.40 with a strike rate of 118.88, below his usual performance.
One suggested move is to have Samson open, with Ishan Kishan batting at No. 3—a position where he previously scored a century against New Zealand. This change could see Tilak Varma, rather than Rinku, exit the lineup.
Additionally, Axar Patel is likely to return after being controversially left out against South Africa. With five right-handed batsmen in Zimbabwe’s top seven, including a left-arm spinner seems logical. Washington Sundar, who underperformed against South Africa, may be dropped.
The team might also consider adding specialist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, though this would mean replacing a fast bowler like Arshdeep Singh or sacrificing batting depth.
Must-win situation for the defending champions
Currently, India is third in Group 1 with no points and a net run rate of -3.800 after their loss to South Africa. To reach the semifinals, they must win both of their final matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies, while hoping South Africa stays unbeaten to finish with six points.
Kotak recognized the pressure but was confident in his team’s ability to manage it. “World Cup in India brings pressure and expectations. I believe any International game involves pressure. This is a significant pressure game when representing a country.”
With Rinku back and the team management exploring various strategies, the match against Zimbabwe on Thursday will be crucial for India’s title defense.
