as India Get ready for an important Super 8 match against Zimbabwe in the year ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026the past Chennai Super Kings (CSK) dough Subramaniam Badrinath shared his ideal playing XI, suggesting two key changes to bring balance and stability.
Looking to bounce back strongly after a competitive clash with India South AfricaBadrinath feels that small but crucial tweaks can make a significant difference in the playoffs of the tournament.
No place for Tilak Varma
It was Badrinath’s first major change Sanju Samson instead of out of shape Tilak Varma. The left-handed batsman has scored a total of 107 runs in the tournament in five matches so far. 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 testing, Badrinath feels that India need a body that can step up and anchor depending on the state of the match.
Known for his refined stroke play and ability to dominate spin, Samson can provide that X-factor in the middle order. His experience in high-pressure games and his versatility against both pace and spin make him a strong candidate, especially against a Zimbabwean bowling unit that relies heavily on discipline and control.
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Vice-captain Axar Patel will return
The second change suggested by Badrinath was the inclusion of a vice-captain Akhar Patel instead of Washington Sundar. Akhar has been one of India’s most reliable performers this edition, claiming six wickets so far and making a vital contribution down the order when needed. His ability to hit hard and make breakthroughs in the middle order adds depth to India’s bowling attack.
In contrast, Sundar is yet to open his wicket in the tournament. Despite remaining an all-rounder, Badrinath believes Akhar’s current form and wicketkeeping ability give him the edge to win the match.
Badrinath’s proposed XI reflects a balance between aggression and control. The top row offers explosive starts, while the middle row mixes innovation with power. The bowling attack he led jasprit bumrah and supported by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakrabortyit provides diversity in stages.
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.
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