Team India wicket-keepers Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan shone in the net session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe. The Men in Blue are on the lookout to bounce back after their alarming 76-run loss to South Africa recently at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The grim nature of the loss, which included yet another top-order collapse where Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma’s woes continued, has forced India to rethink their top-order combination. As a result, it has brought Sanju Samson back into contention ahead of the must-win contest against the Sikandar Raza-led side.

The star wicket-keeper batter who was dropped from the playing XI after a dismal home T20I series against New Zealand, got a chance during the T20 World Cup campaign against Namibia. Featuring at the top of the order amid Abhishek Sharma’s illness, he scored a quickfire 22 runs off eight deliveries in Delhi.

Although Ishan Kishan recorded a duck against the Proteas, he has been India’s leading run-scorer in the tournament so far. He showcased his sublime touch along with his wicket-keeper partner in the nets.

Ishan Kishan unleashed a wide array of shots, which included a sublime one-handed six off Arshdeep Singh’s bowling. Samson, on the other hand, was not far behind as he unleashed a blend of class and power, concluding with a massive six to mid-wicket. Have a brief look at the session right here (via ICC) :

Sanju Samson was also spotted with the gloves during training as India look to find the perfect combination following a poor result and Rinku Singh’s absence.

“I’m sure that’ll be a talking point” – Team India assistant coach on Sanju Samson being part of plans for IND vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026 match

Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted that the recent trend and pattern of top-order failures will force the team management to rethink their strategy, which could bring Sanju Samson into play.

“Do you stick with the guys who we feel have performed really well over the last 18 months and who are maybe shy of a few runs now? Or do we twist and bring Sanju, who’s also a fantastic player and obviously helps tactically with having a right-hander at the top of the order, and I’m sure that’ll be a talking point over the next few days going into these two very important games,” Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had said after the loss against South Africa.

Team India will face Zimbabwe at the iconic venue on Thursday, February 26, as they look to remain alive in the tournament. Both teams head into the clash on the back of a heavy defeat in the Super 8 stage.