Watch: Zimbabwe coach issues massive statement ahead of IND vs ZIM Super 8 match of T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe Justin Sammons chose to stay close to the ground ahead of their next Super 8 fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026 clash which will be against India on February 26 in Chennai.

The head coach of Zimbabwe acknowledged that his team has a lack of experience on Indian soil. Though, he does not want to hold back and is eager to make a strong challenge to India, the co-host and the defending champion of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.

Justin Sammons also mentioned that the grounds in India are smaller and the conditions are different as well. The match against India will be a great opportunity for them to gather some experience and learning, he believes.

Read More: Big blow for Team India as star batter gone home ahead of IND vs ZIM Super 8 match of T20 World Cup 2026

"Conditions are very different & the grounds are smaller here. Only three players in our XI had played in India before, so it's been a big learning experience. We'll take the lessons and move forward", the head coach of Zimbabwe said in a press conference ahead of the IND vs ZIM match in Chennai.

Zimbabwe, under the leadership of experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza, qualified for Super 8 after defeating Australia and Sri Lanka, which shows the team's credibility to pull off upsets at any moment. 

Head coach of Zimbabwe issues statements ahead of IND vs ZIM Super 8 match

The Chevrons' momentum was cut short by the West Indies on February 23. Scoring 254-6 in the first innings, the Carribbeans gave Zimbabwe a reality check by defeating them by 107 runs. Zimbabwe's run chase came to an end with only 147 runs in 17.4 overs. Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, and other West Indies batters exposed the cracks in Zimbabwe's bowling attack. Justin Sammons can sense very well that India will try to do the same against their bowlers.

"We know the way India is going to come out and it's going to be very similar to the way West Indies approached their innings. They're (India) not going to hold back," Sammons said earlier, after their previous match.