February 25, 2026
The build-up to the India vs Zimbabwe T20I has been tense. Selection debates have grown louder as the match carries high stakes for India. It is a must-win game, and the team faces real pressure after a series of setbacks. Every decision and every moment now carries greater importance.
Tilak Verma is likely to be left out of the Team India Playing XI. The management appears ready to reshuffle after inconsistent returns. You could sense the hesitation in the last outing. He looked short of rhythm in this tournament.
Sanju Samson, meanwhile, is almost certain to slot back in at Chennai. The wicketkeeper-batter adds fluency through the middle. To be fair, India missed that spark. His presence could steady the innings if early wickets tumble.
Vice-captain Axar Patel is expected to walk straight back into the side. The only question is who makes way. Washington Sundar’s place hangs in the balance after quiet performances with both bat and ball.That one moment flipped everything in the previous game. Suddenly, the dressing room calculations changed.
Abhishek Sharma’s lean run remains a concern. Runs have not flowed by him and his timing has been off. Yet captain Suryakumar Yadav is prepared to persist with him for the crucial India vs Zimbabwe T20I.
Tomorrow’s equation is simple: win and stay in control, lose and the path in the tournament narrows quickly. The Team India Playing XI will reflect that urgency.