As India gear up for a crucial Super 8 encounter against Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath has shared his ideal playing XI, suggesting two key changes to bring balance and stability to the side.
With India looking to bounce back strongly after a competitive clash against South Africa, Badrinath believes minor but decisive adjustments could make a significant difference in the knockout phase of the tournament.
No place for Tilak Varma
Badrinath’s first major change was bringing in Sanju Samson in place of the out-of-form Tilak Varma. The left-handed batter, who has featured in five matches so far, has managed just 107 runs in the tournament. While Tilak has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, his inconsistency in this campaign has raised concerns. With the Super 8 stage leaving no room for experimentation, Badrinath feels India need a batter who can accelerate and anchor depending on the match situation.
Samson, known for his elegant stroke play and ability to dominate spin, could provide that X-factor in the middle order. His experience in high-pressure games and versatility against both pace and spin make him a strong candidate, especially against a Zimbabwe bowling unit that relies heavily on discipline and containment.
Vice-captain Axar Patel to return
The second change suggested by Badrinath was the inclusion of vice-captain Axar Patel in place of Washington Sundar. Axar has been one of India’s most reliable performers in this edition, claiming six wickets so far and contributing crucial runs down the order when needed. His ability to bowl tight overs in the middle phase and pick up breakthroughs adds depth to India’s bowling attack.
In contrast, Sundar is yet to open his wicket tally in the tournament. Though he remains a capable all-rounder, Badrinath believes Axar’s current form and wicket-taking ability give him the edge in a must-win fixture.
Badrinath’s suggested XI reflects a balance between aggression and control. The top order offers explosive starts, while the middle order blends innovation with power. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and supported by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy, provides variety across phases.
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.
