With India’s T20 World Cup 2026 marketing campaign hanging within the steadiness, crew choice has as soon as once more turn into the most important speaking level. After a crushing defeat to South Africa within the Tremendous 8 stage, the Males in Blue now face a must-win encounter in opposition to Zimbabwe in Chennai on February 26. Amid rising scrutiny over crew combos, former India captain Kris Srikkanth has supplied his candid take, backing a younger batter to retain his spot whereas recommending two vital modifications to the enjoying XI.
Kris Srikkanth reckons the younger batter to maintain his place
Notably, Srikkanth backed Tilak Varma to retain his place. Tilak’s kind has been beneath the scanner all through the match. In 5 matches, the left-hander has managed 107 runs at a mean of 21.40 and a strike fee under 120 — numbers that don’t fairly mirror his potential. Nevertheless, Srikkanth believes statistics don’t inform the entire story.
The previous opener identified that Tilak has performed helpful cameos, together with an important 20-plus knock in opposition to Pakistan beneath strain. In keeping with Srikkanth, such contributions, although modest, exhibit temperament in massive moments.
He additionally highlighted the Chennai issue. The upcoming match will likely be performed on a historically placid floor, one that would go well with a stroke-maker like Tilak. Srikkanth reminded followers of Tilak’s spectacular knock in opposition to England on the identical venue final yr, suggesting familiarity with circumstances might assist him rediscover rhythm. In a match the place confidence can flip fortunes in a single day, Srikkanth feels dropping Tilak now could do extra hurt than good.
“Tilak Varma has scored just a few 20s. He scored an important 20-odd in opposition to Pakistan. I received’t drop him for this match. The wicket will likely be placid in Chennai, so he shouldn’t be dropped for this match. Final yr, he performed a superb knock in opposition to England right here,” stated Srikkanth on his YouTube channel.
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Star all-rounder to exchange Washington Sundar
One other key suggestion from Srikkanth includes bringing Axar Patel again into the XI. Axar has been not noted of India’s final two matches, with Washington Sundar most well-liked because the spin-bowling all-rounder.
Nevertheless, after the loss to South Africa, many followers and consultants questioned that decision. Srikkanth echoed these sentiments, advocating Axar’s return for his better expertise and skill to contribute in high-pressure eventualities.
Axar’s all-round capabilities — tight left-arm spin and helpful lower-order hitting — might present the steadiness India desperately want. In knockout-like conditions, expertise usually outweighs experimentation, and Srikkanth seems to lean closely on that philosophy.
Additional, with Rinku Singh reportedly returning house resulting from a household emergency, India could also be compelled right into a reshuffle. Srikkanth revealed insights from the nets, suggesting that Sanju Samson might open alongside Abhishek Sharma. In keeping with him, Samson batted first throughout apply, adopted by Ishan Kishan — a sequence that hints at a possible batting order tweak. If this materializes, Kishan is prone to slot in at No. 3.
“So it’ll solely be Axar Patel for Washington Sundar and Sanju Samson for Rinku Singh. what transpired within the nets, it seems to be like Sanju Samson will open the batting with Abhishek Sharma. Sanju batted first, after which Kishan batted. So Sanju will open with Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan will come at No.3. Axar Patel will come instead of Washington Sundar. If Samson replaces Rinku, Axar has to come back in for Sundar, which I really feel just isn’t proper. However they haven’t any different alternative,” added Srikkanth.
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