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. 

The former Indian opening batter, Sunil Gavaskar, has suggested the home management should make one change of bringing back Axar Patel in place of Washington Sundar in the playing eleven for the second Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

Sundar bowled only two overs in the first innings and couldn’t contribute with the bat in the middle order. It was addressed as a tactical change by captain Suryakumar Yadav to drop the home boy Axar, who was excellent with the bat against this same side in the T20 WC 2024 final.

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“I would look at bringing Axar Patel back into the playing XI, keeping in mind the lack of too many left-handed batters in Zimbabwe’s line-up. You could possibly bring him in place of Arshdeep Singh. But Arshdeep bowled so well against South Africa and you wouldn’t want to change somebody who looked in such good rhythm. So, maybe they might not make a change and go with the same team.” Gavaskar expressed on Star Sports.

Sunil Gavaskar blames Tilak Varma’s approach in IND vs SA T20 WC 2026

Gavaskar felt that Tilak should have shown a measured approach with the bat rather than a fiery batting. Varma used his feet and ended up getting an edge to wicket-keeper batter, which was another big blow to the unit.

“But I feel Washington Sundar will be the one to miss out. He is not being used properly. Against South Africa, he bowled just two overs and did nothing with the bat. Against Netherlands, he bowled four overs but took no wickets. I think the time has run out for Washington Sundar. Axar Patel will surely replace him.” The former Indian opener added.

“Tilak Varma has been a very street-smart batter. But I was disappointed with his approach in this game. Ishan Kishan lost his wicket in the first over. The required rate was around 9.5 runs per over, not 15. So, Tilak could have given himself more time. At the other end, Abhishek Sharma had back-to-back ducks. So, the responsibility was on Tilak to stick around.” Gavaskar concluded.

The Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad between India and South Africa was a crucial contest for both sides, who ended their group-stage with four successive wins. But there was a heated moment between two players, who weren’t part of the same Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise. 

It was between David Miller and Washington Sundar. The incident happened during the 14th over of the first innings. As Sundar was about to release the ball from his hands, he saw Miller going forward to the other end and taking an advantage with the run, which he did not like, and stopped at the bowling end.

See Also: Watch: Varun Chakravarthy dismisses David Miller for 63 in IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

During the drinks, players had a heated exchange as the umpires tried bring calmness between the two players who were part of the Gujarat Titans as teammates in the past IPL days. Sundar was right in his role as the batter couldn’t take an advantage in running a few steps before the bowler bowls the delivery.

David Miller and Washington Sundar’s heated conversation in T20 WC 2026 goes viral

Miller was one of the biggest contributors for the Protea side in their batting lineup after they lost three wickets in four overs, including their captain, Aiden Markram. The left-handed batter smashed 63 runs in 35 deliveries at a strike rate of 180 with the help of seven boundaries and three sixes, as Tristan Stubbs played a fine knock of 44 runs in just 24 balls with the help of three sixes.

Watch the video here: 

Heated Words Exchanged Between Miller And Washington Sundar 🌶️

Both are usually the calmest on the field, but this time even they couldn’t keep their cool 🔥

pic.twitter.com/QxsFiBhXkp

— CricketSanctum (@SanctumCricket) February 22, 2026

Sundar bowled only two overs during the first innings and gave away 17 runs without any wickets before adding elect in the chase. He was lucky to be part of the playing 11 as India decided to go with a tactical change of putting Akshar Patel on the bench despite his excellent skills with both bat and ball.

South Africa posted 187 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs before picking four wickets of the Indian side in eight overs, with only 43 runs on the board, which put massive pressure on the home side.

Brief Scores: SA 187/9 (David Miller 63, Dewald Brevis 45, Jasprit Bumrah 3/15) vs India 51/5 (Abhishek Sharma 15, Corbin Bosch 2/5)

Star all-rounder Washington Sundar played in India’s last group match against the Netherlands national cricket team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. India will start their Super 8 campaign against the South Africa national cricket team on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Men in Blue have been playing good cricket in the tournament. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team finished group stage matches with four wins out of four games.

Washington Sundar did not bat in the Netherlands match. With the ball, he could not take any wickets and gave 36 runs in four overs. This was his first match after coming back from injury.

India may change one or two players in the team for the Super 8 match. It is still not confirmed whether Sundar will play against South Africa. Here are three simple reasons why India may think about not playing him in the next game.

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3 reasons why India should not play Washington Sundar in the upcoming IND vs SA match

3. Washington Sundar’s T20I Record in Ahmedabad Is Not Very Strong

Washington Sundar has not shown very strong bowling numbers at the Narendra Modi Stadium in T20Is. He has played eight T20I matches at this venue.

In seven innings, he took only four wickets. His bowling average is 51.00, the strike rate is 35.25, and the economy rate is 8.68. In the IPL, he played three matches at this ground but could not take any wickets, giving 61 runs in eight overs.

Against the South Africa national cricket team, Sundar has played three T20Is but has not taken any wickets. He has given 76 runs in 11 overs.

2. Sundar May Not Fit India’s Current Batting Strategy

India is playing with an aggressive batting approach in T20 cricket. The team wants strong batting depth.

So far in this tournament, Abhishek Sharma has not scored big runs at the top. India may want more stability in the middle order.

Sundar’s batting style is not power-hitting. He averages 16.93 with a strike rate of 134.39. India may prefer a stronger finisher like Rinku Singh in the lower order.

1. India May Not Need Three Spinners in the Playing XI

If Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy play, India will have two main spinners. The team also has Shivam Dube, who can bowl when needed.

South Africa has some left-handed batters, but India has played matches without Sundar and still handled them well.

India wants strong batting depth. Playing a third spinner may reduce batting strength, especially against a strong team in the Super 8 stage.

The group stage matches of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will conclude on February 20. After that, the Super-8 round will begin on Saturday, in which the eight teams are divided into two groups of four teams each (X and Y). Group X also includes India, and their first match is against South Africa, which will be played on February 22 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

There has been a lot of discussion regarding India's playing XI against South Africa. In the last group match against the Netherlands, Team India rested vice-captain Axar Patel and gave a chance to Washington Sundar, who bats left-handed and also bowls off-spin. In this context, a potential change seems likely with Axar replacing Sundar, but former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has suggested that India make two key adjustments in their playing XI.

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Most experts believe that Axar Patel will return in place of Washington Sundar against South Africa, but Deep Dasgupta thinks that this decision depends on whether Arshdeep Singh plays.

Dasgupta on Axar's return to India's playing XI against South Africa

During the discussion on Star Sports, Deep Dasgupta was asked whether India would field the same playing XI in the Super-8 match against South Africa as they did against the Netherlands, or if Axar Patel is likely to make a comeback.

“If Arshdeep is playing, they might go with Axar. If Arshdeep is not playing, I would rather go with Washington, and the reason is bowling with the new ball, which Washington does for you regularly, in the first two overs. There is nothing much to choose between Axar and Washington,” Dasgupta responded.

"I think one thing that might tilt the scales towards Washington is whether Arshdeep is playing or not, because I think what you need is (Jasprit) Bumrah's freedom of four overs. You can use Bumrah whenever you want to. You don't want to tie him up. I think two choices need to be made and those are interconnected," Former India wicktkeeper added.

In the end, Deep Dasgupta indicated a strong possibility of Washington Sundar playing against South Africa, as the Proteas team has several left-handed batters, and off-spin could prove effective against them.

India and Pakistan are getting ready to face each other in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Group A fixture, which has been scheduled for this Sunday night (February 15) at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has come up with a special suggestion for the match, where he has suggested benching one important Indian pacer to bring in the spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar.

The Sri Lankan pitches are favoring the spinners as expected in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Sunil Gavaskar feels that Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah can handle the pace bowling responsibility for the match. However, if the pitch continues to assist the spinners, India should go with Washington Sundar. It means that Gavaskar indirectly wants to drop the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, the leading T20I wicket-taker for India, for the India vs Pakistan match in the tournament due to the pitch condition.  

Washington Sundar can bowl spin and is also a left-handed batter: Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar said on Aaj Tak, "I would also say that if the pitch is assisting spin, I would prefer the Indian team to open the bowling with Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, and include Washington Sundar in the XI. Washington Sundar can bowl spin and is also a left-handed batter who can score runs coming in at number eight. So I would like the team management to assess the pitch and conditions carefully before finalising the playing XI."

India are playing with the spinners like Varun Chakravarthy and the all-rounder Axar Patel, while Shivam Dube can also deliver the medium-pace bowling duty. 

Watch: Abhishek Sharma with full Indian squad leaves for Colombo ahead of T20 World Cup clash vs Pakistan

Sunil Gavaskar also talks about how dangerous Usman Tariq can be against India

On the other hand, there is more talk about how the Indian batters can handle the controversial Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq. Gavaskar feels that Tariq can trouble the Indian batters only if the ball turns sharply. 

Gavaskar said, "The Indian team has played against Abrar in previous matches, so they did not face too many difficulties against him. Usman Tariq is new, and I just heard that even the Pakistani batsmen who were playing did not seem to face much trouble. I also do not think there will be too many issues. However, if the ball starts turning sharply, then it can trouble any batter."

India’s pacer, Harshit Rana, has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, as the selection committee is likely to name a replacement on the evening of February 06, as the reports have claimed. India is scheduled to open their campaign against the United States of America (USA) on February 07 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The team management was informed of the injury to the pacer on February 05 evening. Even though India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, revealed that the ace all-rounder wasn’t ruled out yet of the event, it’s nearly confirmed that the fast bowler won’t be fit to participate in the World Cup.

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“It’s a big blow because of the combination we make, keeping in mind 15 players. If he misses out, we will definitely miss him. We have enough options. We shall look at the replacements of fast bowlers who are there. We shall pick the best one. I know there is the case of someone batting at no 9 like Harshit, but having said that, the first 8 batsmen will do what then?! They have to bat.” Suryakumar Yadav expressed on the eve of their opening clash.

Mohammad Siraj and Nitish Reddy likely to be named replacements

Harshit was forced to leave the field during India’s warm-up contest against South Africa as he didn’t look to be in full rhythm for the contest. His discomfort was confirmed when he was unable to complete his run-up, pulling out of his delivery stride on a couple of occasions within that six-ball over.

Siraj, who has picked up 14 wickets in 16 T20Is for the national side, having played his last T20I two years ago against Sri Lanka in July, is expected to make the cut. He was in good touch with the white-ball during the SMAT 2025/26 for Hyderabad.

That’s the same case with Washington Sundar, who is running out of time to be fully fit for the World Cup 2026. In the event of his potential news of being ruled out, India may use Nitish Reddy as the replacement. Reddy has featured in only four T20Is and smashed 90 runs at a strike rate of 180.

Just two days before the start of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the National Selection Committee seems to be prepared to wait on their off-spinner Washington Sundar’s fitness, as there is no information of any replacement from Ajit Agarkar and his team.

The selectors are waiting for the BCCI Center of Excellence to provide more details on the fitness update of the spinner, as the 26-year-old, Washington Sundar, has been recovering from the side strain that he sustained last month and was a missing member from their squad during Wednesday's warm-up contest against South Africa at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

See Also: Watch: “Full fast-bowling attack…”—Ishant Sharma explains India’s pace bowling growth under Virat Kohli

How long the team management and selectors will wait is not confirmed yet, but as of now they are in no rush to replace Tamil Nadu, as the final decision will depend on the advice of the trainers and the physios at the Center of Excellence that they do not want to lose hope on Sundar’s preparation for the marquee event as yet.

BCCI still not clear on Washington Sundar’s fitness ahead of T20 WC 2026

In other injury news for the Indian side, Harshit Rana has also picked up an injury during the warm-up clash as he limped off the field in South Africa in Mumbai. The KKR bowler did not look in full fitness and rhythm for his one over in which he conceded 16 runs.

“Washington Sundar underwent scans after reporting an acute onset discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on 11 January. This was followed by an in-person consultation with an expert. He has been diagnosed with a side strain and has been advised to rest for a few days, following which he will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence.” The reports of Cricbuzz claimed as quoted by BCCI.

After India’s opening game, they will travel to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi to face Namibia before traveling to the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for the marquee event against Pakistan, which game as of now has been forfeited by the opposition side.

Team India is one of the favourites to win the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. They look like one of the strongest teams in the tournament. As the matches will be played in home conditions, Suryakumar Yadav’s side will aim to defend the title. India will begin their campaign against the USA on February 7. The team has won 26 of their last 36 T20I bilateral series since the 2024 World Cup.

However, ahead of the big event, India has suffered an injury setback. Star all-rounder Washington Sundar is still not fully fit after picking up a rib injury during the India vs New Zealand ODI at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. He has been named in India’s 15-member squad for the tournament.

With only a few days left before the World Cup begins, Sundar’s fitness remains a concern. As per earlier reports, he is expected to undergo a fitness test on February 4, 2026, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The team management has not announced any replacement yet and is waiting for the official medical report.

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Washington Sundar’s Fitness Update Ahead of T20 World Cup

As per recent reports, Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar has made good progress in his recovery. He has completed four batting sessions so far. On February 2, he bowled four overs of spot bowling. He is scheduled to bowl again on February 4 to check if his injured rib can handle the workload. After this session, the team management will decide the next steps in his recovery and whether he is fit to play in the World Cup.

A journalist also shared an update on social media, saying that Sundar is not fully fit yet but has shown positive signs during his rehabilitation. His next bowling session will be key in deciding his availability.

Tilak Varma Back in the Squad, Replacement Options Open

Tilak Varma, who missed the New Zealand series, has returned to action. He was part of the India A squad that played a warm-up match against the USA, where he scored 38 runs off 24 balls and looked in good form. He has been an important player for India in recent times in T20 cricket.

If Washington Sundar fails to recover in time, India have a few options. Ravi Bishnoi, who did well against New Zealand, is one possible replacement. Shreyas Iyer is another option who can fit into the squad. Apart from Sundar, India already have Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav as spin options.

Ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. India’s dependable batter, Tilak Varma, is very close to being fully fit, which is a massive boost for the top order of the blue brigade as the southpaw is close to being cleared by the Centre of Excellence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Bengaluru. 

Tilak Varma is anticipated to be cleared after taking part in a simulation match on Friday, as he is recovering from the abdominal surgery that he underwent during the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025/26 and has been training at the CoE. He was expected to join the Indian squad for the final two T20Is against the Blackcaps, but the management has asked Shreyas Iyer to remain in the squad.

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Tilka is expected to join the national side in Mumbai on February 03, which is subject to regaining full match fitness, ahead of their warm-up fixture against South Africa at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Mayank Yadav regains full fitness ahead of IPL 2026

The fast bowler, Mayank Yadav, has also regained full fitness after spending nearly a year out of action with a lower back stress fracture. The youngster is set to make his comeback with the India A side during the T20 World Cup warm-up matches. Mayank had impressed with his pace during the IPL 2024 and earned a T20I call-up during the Bangladesh T20I series at home.

Despite all of his fitness issues, Lucknow Super Giants retained him for the IPL 2026. Riyan Parag, who has been sidelined with a right shoulder injury, is also likely to be cleared after the stimulation clash at the CoE in Bengaluru.

On the other hand, the spin all-rounder of the Indian side, Washington Sundar, is yet to play a stimulation game, which is anticipated to be scheduled soon. The 26-year-old has been out of action with the acute discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against the Blackcaps in Vadodara on January 11