Cricket-India eye team changes for crucial Zimbabwe clash


Cricket - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 - Group A - India v Namibia - Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, India - February 12, 2026 India's Sanju Samson in action REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/File Photo

Feb 25 (Reuters) - India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson ⁠will be under consideration for Thursday's Twenty20 World Cup game against Zimbabwe as the ⁠team look to reshuffle their side, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said ahead of ‌the must-win match.

Kotak admitted India had played their "worst game in two years" in the 76-run loss to South Africa on Sunday but stressed the need to focus on combinations who could yield the best results rather than dwelling on ​pressure.

"There can be changes, yes. And obviously, it goes without ⁠saying that we discussed, because there ⁠are two lefty openers, number three is left-handed and opposition's bowling off-spin," Kotak told reporters on ⁠Wednesday.

"Because ‌in the three games, we lost a wicket in the first over, obviously any team would think. So we are thinking and we will see how it goes because ⁠we never decide the team too early.

"Definitely there will be ​thought about playing him (Samson), there ‌is no doubt. But nets don't give any indication."

Despite the setback, Kotak said India, ⁠who need to ​win their remaining two matches in the Super Eight to stay in the hunt for a semi-final place, would stick to their aggressive approach.

"We have to be very positive and play the same brand of ⁠cricket which has given us the success and clearly that ​is the way we will play, there will not be any difference," he said.

Samson could provide a spark to India's opening partnership, with Abhishek Sharma struggling for form after recording three ducks from ⁠four appearances.

However, Kotak backed the under-fire opener, attributing his poor run to health issues.

"His health was a bit bad. And then after that, he didn't have that much momentum. But last game, he looked good," Kotak said.

"So our job is to keep him in a good frame of ​mind and once he starts hitting the ball again, you will ⁠see the same Abhishek again, there is no doubt."

India will be boosted by the return of finisher ​Rinku Singh, who flew home due to a family emergency.

"Rinku, ‌his father wasn't well so he went back ​and I think he is coming back today evening. So, hopefully he will be back today evening," Kotak said.

(Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in Bengaluru; editing by Clare Fallon)

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