Selection Twist as Samson Emerges as Key Option for Big Game

Every game for the Indian team now comes as a do or die clash. With the next game against Zimbabwe, the team is likely to make one crucial change to its batting line-up. And with this change, Sanju Samson, who has played just one game, could get another opportunity to prove himself.

The troubles for the Indian team and its qualification for the semi-final stages grows as the Super Eight progresses. India had already started the Super Eight with a massive loss against South Africa, and will now have to work to improve their net run rate. With the next clash against Zimbabwe, there are some line-up changes which could happen.

Ryan ten Doeschate even said that Sanju Samson would be a point to discuss over the next few days, hinting at his inclusion in the playing XI. But now it seems likely that Samson will be a part of the team for the upcoming match against Zimbabwe. And in his place, the team is likely to drop Rinku Singh from the line-up.

Samson In, Rinku Out

Sanju Samson has been a part of the Indian team over the last two T20 World Cup editions but he has played just one game. And the only match he played came in the absence of Abhishek Sharma, where he was also able to prove his worth. However, when Abhishek was fine, Samson was dropped yet again.

Now it is being reported that Sanju Samson is likely to play the next game against Zimbabwe. And he will be coming to the team in place of Rinku Singh. Rinku has been a part of the team for a long time, but he has failed to deliver in the T20 World Cup. While his fielding skills have been exceptional, the runs have not come up for him with the bat.

Rinku Singh in T20 World Cup 2026:

• Innings: 5
• Not Out: 2
• Runs: 24
• Average: 8.00
• Strike Rate: 82.75
• 50s: 0

Rinku has been able to score in double digits just once for the team. He returned back to his home yesterday as his father is facing some serious health issues. With the clash against Zimbabwe tomorrow, it is likely that Sanju Samson will be coming in place of him to the line-up. In the clash against Namibia, he was able to score 22 runs for the team while opening.

Samson's Form Issues

The key reason why Sanju Samson was dropped from the playing XI was the inconsistency he faced over the last few series. Ever since he scored tons against South Africa back in 2024, he has not been able to deliver well for the team in the T20 format. The series against New Zealand came as an opportunity for Samson to prove himself, but he failed to do well.

Sanju Samson in T20Is Since 2025:

• Innings: 19
• Not Out: 0
• Runs: 290
• Average: 17.05
• Strike Rate: 133.64
• 100s: 0
• 50s: 1

Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, got an opportunity to make a comeback with his brilliant performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. And he was also able to deliver for the team in the T20I series against New Zealand. This eventually allowed Kishan to take up the opening slot and Samson was dropped from the playing XI.

But now, it seems that the next game against Zimbabwe is a do or die game for India and Sanju Samson both. Samson was also seen having some practice sessions at Chepauk, hinting that he could be a part of the team. Moreover, this is the same ground where Samson would be playing in the IPL, as he has been brought by Chennai Super Kings.

Why India vs Zimbabwe Comes as a Critical Clash?

The match between India and Zimbabwe which is set to take place tomorrow, comes as a critical game for both teams. Zimbabwe and India have started off the Super Eight stages with a massive loss. While Zimbabwe has a lower net run rate than India, the team will still remain eager to give the defending champions a fight.

And a loss in the next game would lower India's qualification chances to the semi-final stages. India has already started off the same with a brutal loss to South Africa. If the team wants to make it to the next stage, winning both games might not be enough. They would have to win both games with a good margin to ensure that their NRR doesn't trouble them if three teams finish with 4 points.