Sanju Samson of India (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Defending champions India national cricket team are weighing changes to their struggling opening partnership ahead of a must-win Super Eights encounter against Zimbabwe national cricket team in Chennai on Thursday. With semi-final qualification hanging in the balance, India are considering wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson as a possible option at the top of the order in their second Super Eights fixture.

Opener Abhishek Sharma has endured a lean run, including three successive ducks, compounding India’s problems. The defending champions began the Super Eights with a heavy 76-run loss to South Africa national cricket team, leaving them with little room for error. The qualification equation is now simple. Win the remaining two matches and progression remains largely in India’s control. Slip up, and they could be forced to rely on other results. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that combinations are being debated internally. “There can be changes, yes,” Kotak told reporters. “And obviously, it goes without saying that we discuss, because there are two leftie openers, number three is left-handed.” Although he played down concerns over the left-heavy top order, Kotak admitted that repeated early dismissals had prompted reflection. “I personally don’t think that there is any problem there but because we lost a wicket in the first over in three games, obviously, any team would think,” he said. India’s batting core is dominated by left-handers, a pattern opponents have exploited. Sides such as Pakistan national cricket team, Netherlands national cricket team and South Africa have opened with off-spin, dismissing one of the openers in the very first over. In the defeat to South Africa, Ishan Kishan fell for a fourth-ball duck after captain Aiden Markram began with off-spin. Samson, a right-hander who featured earlier in the tournament against Namibia when Abhishek was unwell, could offer balance at the top.

Zimbabwe’s Ryan Burl celebrates the wicket of Australia’s Glenn Maxwell in Colombo. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Who will make it to the Super 8s of the 2026 T20 World Cup? Most expected names — India, Australia, England, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka — dominated the predictions. Even the USA was mentioned. Other teams, including Zimbabwe, were largely tagged as “underdogs.”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!But Zimbabwe have shattered that perception. With majestic performances, they earned their place in the Super 8s, defeating Oman, Australia, and Sri Lanka along the way and sending a clear message: they are not underdogs.After the 2024 T20 World Cup, while the world speculated about the 2026 edition, Zimbabwe quietly went back to basics. They focused on learning, practicing, planning, and grinding hard without making noise. The results speak for themselves — Zimbabwe have emerged as the ‘Cinderella’ team of the tournament.

Now, Zimbabwe face another big test. They are placed in a tough Super 8 group with defending champions India, 2024 runners-up South Africa, and two-time champions West Indies. To reach the semifinals, they must finish in the top two of the points table.For Zimbabwe batter Ryan Burl, this success is not just a dream or a statement against their underdog tag. “This is the result of a 24-month plan we made and are now executing well,” he disclosed. Their journey reflects strategy, hard work, and belief, and now the team is ready to take on the giants.“You’re always going to be the underdog when you’re ranked lower,” Burl told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.

“Beating a team ranked above you is always special. As underdogs, it motivates us even more because people don’t really expect us to win. So when we do, it means a lot — to us as players and to our nation.”Zimbabwe dominated the sub-regional qualifiers, facing teams like Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania with authority. They went on to win Qualifiers B, the Regional Sub-Regional B, and finally the main qualifiers, securing their spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup — a dream this squad was determined not to let go to waste.Even after their impressive group-stage performances, Burl and the rest of the Zimbabwe team are not celebrating. Their focus has already shifted to the next challenge: executing a fresh, well-laid plan for the Super 8s.“Our success has been the result of a carefully crafted plan executed over time. Every player has put in immense hard work. About 18 to 24 months ago, we set ourselves the dream and goal of reaching the Super 8s,” he said.“We’ve had highs and lows, but throughout, we’ve followed clear game plans and blueprints. Combining that planning with hard work has brought us to where we are today.”Zimbabwe last played in India during the first round of the T20 World Cup in 2016.In the 2026 edition, they will kick off their Super 8 campaign against West Indies on Monday in Mumbai, followed by a clash against India in Chennai, and then face South Africa in Delhi.“We have to face India, West Indies, and South Africa in the Super 8s — three teams currently playing outstanding cricket. India are defending champions, so it’s a challenge in itself, but one we’re excited for. We can’t look too far ahead,” Burl said.“We have to take one game at a time. There’s jubilation in what we’ve achieved so far, but we need to stay grounded, stay calm, and focus on the next hurdle.”

Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza, right, and Brian Bennett run between the wickets. (AP Photo)

‘SIKANDAR RAZA IS A SUPERSTAR’After Zimbabwe secured their place in the Super 8s, captain Sikandar Raza made a low-key entrance to address the media. He greeted everyone with a simple “Hello, everyone,” followed by a warm smile.“The fact that we’ve qualified for the Super 8s hasn’t changed the ultimate goal that we set out for. Like I said, it’s just a tick in the box, but we have a lot of other goals to achieve and everybody loves an underdog story, don’t they?” Raza had said, reflecting on the achievement.Burl gave credit to Sikandar Raza for instilling fire and belief in every player, motivating the squad, and pushing them toward their big dream.“To be honest, he’s a legend in his own right and has deserved all the plaudits. He is a superstar. He’s worked extremely hard throughout his career,” Burl said.“As a teammate and brother on the field, it’s been very special to play alongside him. The team really buys into what he says. Combined with the guidance and leadership of coach Justin Simmons, it’s been an essential part of our success.”Zimbabwe entered the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup after their crucial Group B clash against Ireland was washed out due to rain. The result saw former champions Australia and Ireland eliminated from the tournament.

Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett plays a shot during the ICC T20 World Cup match against Australia in Colombo on February 13, 2026.
| Photo Credit: AP