After a humiliating 76-run defeat against South Africa which left India T20 World Cup the management of the defending champions face crucial selection decisions ahead of Thursday’s must-win Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. With semi-final berths no longer in their grasp, two significant changes could restore balance to a side that looked completely out of sorts in Ahmedabad.
What changes should India make in the 11 for the Zimbabwe clash?
Change 1: Sanju Samson walks in to Tilak Varma to break the left-handed wicket
The most pressing problem facing India is the abundance of left-handers in the top order, which the opposition teams exploit mercilessly by opening with off-spin. In four of India’s five matches, they have lost wickets in the first over – all spin, all for ducks. This alarming pattern forced the middle order to constantly rebuild rather than attack.
Tilak Verma’s tournament numbers make a convincing case for his omission. In five innings, the left-hander has averaged just 107 runs at an average of 21.40 and a strike rate of 118.88, well below the No. 3 position. His reckless charge on Marco Jansen against South Africa resulted in a two-ball duck, exemplifying poor decision-making under pressure.
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson’s only performance in this tournament was a 22 off eight balls against Namibia. It shows the kind of explosive intent India desperately needs at the top. His inclusion will allow India to counter the off-spin opening tactics of Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza or Brian Bennett.
Change 2: Axar Patel returns to Washington Sundar to strengthen the spin department
The The decision to drop vice-captain Axar Patel against South Africa was widely criticized as a tactical error and the team management is expected to correct it for the Chennai encounter. Washington Sundar, who was picked on a match-by-match basis against South Africa’s left-handers, contributed little – conceding 17 runs in two scoreless overs and scoring 11 off 11 balls with the bat.
Against a predominantly right-handed Zimbabwe top-order, Akhar’s orthodox left-arm spin and lower-order batting prowess make him an ideal replacement. His ability to help out with the No. 7 or No. 8 bat adds crucial depth that was lacking against South Africa.
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Spinners are expected to play a crucial role in Chennai
The MA Chidambaram Stadium has historically favored spinners and India could opt for a three-pronged spin attack featuring Akhar, Varun Chakravarty and Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist-spinner has only played once in the tournament – returning 14 for 1 against Pakistan – but can be devastating on Chepauk’s turning surface.
The likely XI could see Ishan Kisha retain the wicketkeeper position, Samson open alongside Abhishek Sharma or move to No. 3 depending on the match situation. Suryakumar Yadav should anchor the innings amid repeated early collapses, while Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh provide the firepower in the death overs.
With their net run rate down to -3,800 and rising in the West Indies after defeating Zimbabwe by 107 runs, India must not only win both their remaining matches but also hope for favorable results elsewhere. It’s time for bold decisions.
