With India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign hanging in the balance, team selection has once again become the biggest talking point. After a crushing defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 stage, the Men in Blue now face a must-win encounter against Zimbabwe in Chennai on February 26. Amid growing scrutiny over team combinations, former India captain Kris Srikkanth has offered his candid take, backing a young batter to retain his spot while recommending two significant changes to the playing XI.
Kris Srikkanth reckons the young batter to keep his place
Notably, Srikkanth backed Tilak Varma to retain his place. Tilak’s form has been under the scanner throughout the tournament. In five matches, the left-hander has managed 107 runs at an average of 21.40 and a strike rate below 120 — numbers that don’t quite reflect his potential. However, Srikkanth believes statistics don’t tell the whole story.
The former opener pointed out that Tilak has played useful cameos, including a crucial 20-plus knock against Pakistan under pressure. According to Srikkanth, such contributions, though modest, demonstrate temperament in big moments.
He also highlighted the Chennai factor. The upcoming match will be played on a traditionally placid surface, one that could suit a stroke-maker like Tilak. Srikkanth reminded fans of Tilak’s impressive knock against England at the same venue last year, suggesting familiarity with conditions could help him rediscover rhythm. In a tournament where confidence can turn fortunes overnight, Srikkanth feels dropping Tilak now may do more harm than good.
“Tilak Varma has scored a few 20s. He scored a crucial 20-odd against Pakistan. I won’t drop him for this match. The wicket will be placid in Chennai, so he shouldn’t be dropped for this match. Last year, he played a brilliant knock against England here,” said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel.
Star all-rounder to replace Washington Sundar
Another key recommendation from Srikkanth involves bringing Axar Patel back into the XI. Axar has been left out of India’s last two matches, with Washington Sundar preferred as the spin-bowling all-rounder.
However, after the loss to South Africa, many fans and experts questioned that call. Srikkanth echoed those sentiments, advocating Axar’s return for his greater experience and ability to contribute in high-pressure scenarios.
Axar’s all-round capabilities — tight left-arm spin and handy lower-order hitting — could provide the balance India desperately need. In knockout-like situations, experience often outweighs experimentation, and Srikkanth appears to lean heavily on that philosophy.
Further, with Rinku Singh reportedly returning home due to a family emergency, India may be forced into a reshuffle. Srikkanth revealed insights from the nets, suggesting that Sanju Samson could open alongside Abhishek Sharma. According to him, Samson batted first during practice, followed by Ishan Kishan — a sequence that hints at a potential batting order tweak. If this materializes, Kishan is likely to slot in at No. 3.
“So it’ll only be Axar Patel for Washington Sundar and Sanju Samson for Rinku Singh. Looking at what transpired in the nets, it looks like Sanju Samson will open the batting with Abhishek Sharma. Sanju batted first, and then Kishan batted. So Sanju will open with Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan will come at No.3. Axar Patel will come in place of Washington Sundar. If Samson replaces Rinku, Axar has to come in for Sundar, which I feel is not right. But they have no other choice,” added Srikkanth.
