T20 World Cup 2026: Parthiv Patel calls for Axar Patel and Sanju Samson's inclusion in India XI for Zimbabwe clash

India faces Zimbabwe on February 26 in Chennai in a must-win game.

Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel stated that he would like India to make two changes in their playing XI, bringing in Axar Patel and Sanju Samson, when they face Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s game at the Chepauk in Chennai on February 26.

India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in their first Super 8 game in Ahmedabad, while Zimbabwe was thrashed by the West Indies by 107 runs. Both teams now need a win, and a big one, in this game to keep their hopes of semi-final qualification alive.

However, India is under more pressure, given that they are the defending world champions and the co-hosts.

Speaking about the Indian team combination for the Zimbabwe game, he would like to see vice-captain Axar Patel come back, and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson should also be included.

India vice-captain Axar Patel was controversially benched for the recent Proteas game in Ahmedabad as Washington Sundar was preferred over him. Sundar bowled two overs for 17 and made 11 runs.

Despite his lackluster batting performance, Sanju Samson might be used to disrupt the left-dominant top order of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma, who have had trouble against off-spinners. Samson managed a quickfire 22 against Namibia.

"I would like to see Axar Patel coming back into the team. He has played crucial knocks in the past. Yes, match-ups come into play, but I would definitely bring Axar Patel in. There is also the question of Sanju Samson. There could even be a homecoming for him in Chennai now. It is something India would definitely be considering, especially given the glaring problem Indian left-handers are facing against off-spinners,” Parthiv said on JioStar's 'Follow The Blues' show.

Parthiv also suggested that off-spinner Sikandar Raza may come inhandyl during the power play. He also indicated that he would not drop openers. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, but will bring Samson instead of a struggling Tilak.

"Yes, Sanju Samson is not in great form either, but bringing in a right-hander could offer a different perspective. Or maybe, India could just try changing the batting order. If Sanju Samson comes in, he should bat at number three. If he does not play, then Surya has to bat at three,” Patel added.

After Zimbabwe, India will clash with the red-hot West Indies on March 1 in Kolkata.

(ANI inputs)