Parthiv Patel suggests changes in India’s XI for IND vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026 clash

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel has backed Axar Patel to return to India’s playing XI for the next Super 8 match against Zimbabwe. India suffered a heavy loss of 76 runs against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium, on Sunday.

In the last two games against the Netherlands and South Africa, India has preferred Washington Sundar ahead of Axar Patel. The former Gujarat captain said Axar Patel has played crucial knocks for India in the past and deserves his chances.

On the other hand, Washington Sundar returned with figures of 0-17 in two overs he bowled and scored a run-a-ball 11 against the Proteas.

“I would like to see Axar Patel coming back into the team. He has played those crucial knocks. The match-ups and all are in play, but I would definitely get Axar Patel in,” Parthiv Patel said on Star Sports.

Patel further highlighted that India can also think of playing Sanju Samson as the top order is struggling against the off-spinners.

“There is a question about Sanju Samson. There could be a homecoming for Sanju Samson in Chennai. That’s another thing India would definitely be thinking of because there is a glaring problem when left-handers are facing the off-spinners,” Parthiv reasoned.

The Gujarat Titans assistant coach said he won’t think of dropping Abhishek Sharma to accommodate Sanju Samson in the final XI but feels the right-hander can replace Tilak Varma.

“When we play against Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza will come in handy in that powerplay also. So, Sanju Samson, maybe in place of Tilak. I wouldn’t drop Abhishek Sharma for sure. I wouldn’t drop Ishan Kishan either. I would say get Sanju Samson in place of Tilak Varma,” he said.

“It is a tough one, but you try and use in-form players. Sanju Samson is also not in form, but they should try and get a right-hander perspective in, or maybe change the batting order. If Sanju is coming in, he has to bat at No. 3. If he is not playing, then Surya has to bat at No. 3,” Parthiv observed.

India will next take on Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Thursday.