India are facing a must-win fixture against Zimbabwe in the Group 1 Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as Chennai is hosting this match on Thursday night (February 26). For this crucial match, Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar are not in the playing XI, while we will know the reasons here. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 1 (Super Eights), IND vs ZIM: Sanju Samson and Axar Patel return

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to field first. While Zimbabwe made one change, hosts India made two changes in their playing XI. For India, the wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and the spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel have replaced the middle-order batter Rinku Singh and the spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. 

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 1, Super Eights - IND vs ZIM: Toss Update and Playing XI 

IND vs ZIM: Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar are on bench

It was very expected that Axar Patel would replace Washington Sundar, as India's bet for Sundar went wrong in their last game against South Africa, where the Proteas claimed a thumping victory by 76 runs. Meanwhile, the Men in Blues have also gone with Sanju Samson, probably to make the top-order batting stronger. With Sanju's return, Rinku Singh unfortunately has to leave the spot. 

Rinku Singh recently returned home after his father's health deteriorated. However, he returned to the team before the match.

So, there is no fresh injury news for the Indian team, as both the changes are tactical for the defending champions. 

As the West Indies suffered a comfortable defeat against South Africa, the Semi-finals path is now simpler for the hosts and defending champions India, as they need to beat Zimbabwe and the West Indies to qualify for the Semi-finals.