Suspense over Samson-Axar's playing XI chances ends right ahead of IND vs ZIM Super 8 showdown

Indian vice-captain Axar Patel is set to return to the playing XI for the high-stakes Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe in Chennai this Thursday. According to an Indian Express report, the team management is expected to implement two strategic changes to the lineup for this must-win encounter at Chepauk. In a move to bolster the squad’s balance, Axar is likely to replace Washington Sundar, while Sanju Samson is tipped to come in for Rinku Singh.

Samson, Axar to make entry into India's playing XI for Zimbabwe clash  

The inclusion of Samson introduces several possibilities for the batting order, potentially leading to a significant shuffle at the top. It remains to be seen whether the team will persist with the opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan or opt to elevate Samson to the opening slot to provide more stability. This decision comes as Abhishek Sharma struggles through a difficult tournament, having recorded three ducks and a score of 15 in his recent outings.

Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh out?

The decision to bring back Axar Patel appears to be a correction of a previous tactical error. The Gujarat all-rounder was notably absent during India’s recent Super 8 loss to South Africa in Ahmedabad, a game where the team's balance seemed off. Conversely, Rinku Singh’s departure from the XI follows a disappointing performance in that same match, where he was dismissed for a duck, prompting the shift toward Samson’s experience.

For the 18 months leading up to the tournament, all signs pointed toward a dominant campaign, with a star-studded batting lineup expected to cruise through the competition. But the defending champions' chances of making it to the semifinal has taken an unexpectedly perilous turn as they approach a high-stakes clash on February 26.

ALSO READ: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi turns destroyer, blasts runs at 331.58 strike rate riding on 7 fours, 5 sixes

Despite having two games left in the Super 8s, India’s fate is no longer entirely in their own hands. Before they even step onto the field at Chepauk, the team and its supporters will be focused on the clash between South Africa and the West Indies. India now find itself in the uncomfortable position of needing a South African victory to simplify their path forward. Only after that result is settled will they look to take the pitch against Zimbabwe, aiming not just for a win, but for a dominant performance that re-establishes their authority in the tournament.