As India gear up for a crucial Super 8 encounter against Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath has shared his ideal playing XI, suggesting two key changes to bring balance and stability to the side.

With India looking to bounce back strongly after a competitive clash against South Africa, Badrinath believes minor but decisive adjustments could make a significant difference in the knockout phase of the tournament.

No place for Tilak Varma

Badrinath’s first major change was bringing in Sanju Samson in place of the out-of-form Tilak Varma. The left-handed batter, who has featured in five matches so far, has managed just 107 runs in the tournament. While Tilak has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, his inconsistency in this campaign has raised concerns. With the Super 8 stage leaving no room for experimentation, Badrinath feels India need a batter who can accelerate and anchor depending on the match situation.

Samson, known for his elegant stroke play and ability to dominate spin, could provide that X-factor in the middle order. His experience in high-pressure games and versatility against both pace and spin make him a strong candidate, especially against a Zimbabwe bowling unit that relies heavily on discipline and containment.

Also READ: ICC T20I Rankings: Sikandar Raza claims No.1 all-rounder spot; Shivam Dube and Ishan Kishan move up

Vice-captain Axar Patel to return

The second change suggested by Badrinath was the inclusion of vice-captain Axar Patel in place of Washington Sundar. Axar has been one of India’s most reliable performers in this edition, claiming six wickets so far and contributing crucial runs down the order when needed. His ability to bowl tight overs in the middle phase and pick up breakthroughs adds depth to India’s bowling attack.

In contrast, Sundar is yet to open his wicket tally in the tournament. Though he remains a capable all-rounder, Badrinath believes Axar’s current form and wicket-taking ability give him the edge in a must-win fixture.

Badrinath’s suggested XI reflects a balance between aggression and control. The top order offers explosive starts, while the middle order blends innovation with power. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and supported by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy, provides variety across phases.

Subramaniam Badrinath’s India XI for Zimbabwe clash: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Suresh Raina suggests 2 key changes in India’s XI for Zimbabwe Super 8 clash

In the high-stakes arena of international cricket, the boundary between professional critique and personal harassment often becomes dangerously blurred. Following Pakistan’s narrow two-wicket defeat to England in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the spotlight shifted from the pitch at Pallekele to a more distressing scene on social media. Sabba Manzer, the wife of Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, took a courageous stand against online trolls after they targeted her and her young son with a barrage of abusive messages.

Salman Agha’s wife Sabba Manzerr calls out online trolls targeting her family via social media post

As the dust settled on a pulsating encounter that saw England’s Harry Brook snatch victory with a masterclass century, the digital fallout for the Pakistani leadership was swift and severe. Agha, who took over the T20 captaincy in late 2024 following the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan, became the primary target for frustrated fans. However, the vitriol quickly spilled over to his family, prompting his wife, Sabba Manzer, to break her silence.

Taking to Instagram, Manzer shared a powerful message that cut through the toxicity: “Sending me or my innocent son abuse is not going to win you the World Cup, Pakistani fans.” Her statement highlighted a growing and disturbing trend in South Asian cricket culture where families, who have no hand in the team’s on-field execution, are subjected to harassment during periods of sporting failure.

The backlash comes at a time when Agha’s leadership is under intense scrutiny. Having already seen the likes of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi lose their captaincy roles due to inconsistent results, Agha is now facing the same pressure. The targeting of his child, however, has drawn widespread condemnation from the cricketing community, shifting the conversation from tactical errors to the moral conduct of the “Green Shirts” faithful.

Also WATCH: Mohammad Hafeez humbles Saqlain Mushtaq in a fiery exchange after Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Super 8 defeat to England

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign teeters on the brink

The loss to England has left the 2009 champions in a precarious position. Pakistan’s journey in the Super 8s has been hampered by inconsistency and a stroke of bad luck; after a rain-affected washout against New Zealand, they now sit with just one point from two matches. The road to the semi-finals is no longer in their own hands, and the mathematical miracles that often define Pakistan’s tournament history are once again their only hope.

To advance, Agha’s men must secure a commanding victory against Sri Lanka in their final fixture on February 28. Even then, they require England to defeat New Zealand and hope that other results in Group 2 keep their Net Run Rate (NRR) competitive. Despite the bleak outlook, Agha remains defiant. “Cricket is a fun game; anything is possible. There is always hope, and as a team, we will always keep believing,” the skipper noted post-match.

This struggle follows a disappointing pattern for Pakistan, who failed to reach the knockout stages in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. As the team prepares for their do-or-die clash in Colombo, the focus remains on whether they can channel the external pressure into on-field performance or if another early exit will trigger a total overhaul of the squad.

Also READ: Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final qualification scenario after falling to England in Super 8

New Zealand kept their semifinal dreams alive and effectively knocked co-hosts Sri Lanka out of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 61-run victory in Colombo on February 25, 2026. The hero of the night was Rachin Ravindra, whose all-round brilliance turned a precarious situation into a dominant win at the R. Premadasa Stadium. This win boosts New Zealand’s Net Run Rate significantly as they head into a crucial final Super 8 clash against England. For Sri Lanka, a second consecutive Super 8 loss ends their home-soil campaign in heartbreak, confirming their elimination from the tournament.

Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie rescue New Zealand after Maheesh Theekshana’s triple strike

New Zealand’s innings was a tale of two halves, recovering from a dire middle-order collapse to post a formidable 168/7 on a challenging Colombo surface. After choosing to bowl, Sri Lanka seized early control through Maheesh Theekshana, who produced a stellar spell of 3/30, removing the dangerous Finn Allen (23) and Mark Chapman for a duck.

Rachin Ravindra looked elegant during his 32 off 22 balls, providing some stability, but when Dushmantha Chameera dismissed Glenn Phillips (18), the Black Caps were staring at a sub-par total at 84/6 in the 13th over. However, the game shifted dramatically during an 84-run seventh-wicket partnership between Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie, who plundered 70 runs from the final four overs alone. Santner played a captain’s knock, smashing 47 off just 26 balls, featuring four massive sixes that targeted the shorter leg-side boundaries.

McConchie provided perfect support with an unbeaten 31, ensuring that the momentum was firmly with New Zealand heading into the break. The late-overs carnage left the Sri Lankan bowlers looking shell-shocked, as they surrendered a position of absolute dominance to concede a total that was well above the ground’s average first-innings score.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026: Maheesh Theekshana redeems earlier lapse with a breathtaking catch to remove Finn Allen during SL vs NZ Super 8 clash

Rachin Ravindra’s four-wicket haul crushes Sri Lankan T20 World Cup 2026 hopes in Colombo

Defending 168, New Zealand delivered a clinical bowling performance to bundle out Sri Lanka for just 107, with Rachin proving to be the architect of the collapse. The chase began in disastrous fashion for the co-hosts as Matt Henry removed Pathum Nissanka on the very first ball of the innings, followed by the dismissal of Charith Asalanka to leave the hosts at 6/2.

Ravindra then took center stage with his left-arm orthodox spin, claiming a sensational 4/27 to rip the heart out of the Sri Lankan middle order. He first removed Kusal Mendis (11) and Pavan Rathnayake (10) in the same over, both beaten by flight and turn before being expertly stumped by Tim Seifert. Ravindra continued his rampage by dismissing captain Dasun Shanaka and Dushan Hemantha, effectively ending any realistic chance of a home-side comeback.

Despite a fighting 31 from Kamindu Mendis and a late 29 from Dunith Wellalage, the required run rate soared past 15, forcing the batters into desperate shots that resulted in a flurry of wickets. Santner capped off his brilliant day by removing the set Kamindu Mendis, while Glenn Phillips polished off the tail to seal the 61-run win. The victory leaves New Zealand on two points above Pakistan, setting up a thrilling finale to Group 2, while Sri Lanka becomes the first team to be officially eliminated from the Super 8 stage.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Why would Sri Lanka win the toss and choose to field at RPS Colombo? After failing to chase 146 against England in the last game?

When the team has lost confidence in chasing, batting looks fragile, and the pitch has turn, why chase again?

Had raised this question during the…

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 25, 2026

😉😉😉😉 https://t.co/7j3eODIqJF

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 25, 2026

Massive momentum shift in the game. Great late rally by the kiwis setting Sri Lanka a tough target in my opinion. 169 definitely 25 too much on this surface.

— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) February 25, 2026

Sri Lanka is literally minnow level since 2015. It’s sad to see that the country which once produced the likes of Sangakkara, Jayawardene, Malinga, Jayasuriya, Dilshan, Vaas etc is now languishing at the bottom of the barrel.

— yang goi (@GongR1ght) February 25, 2026

IF:
-Pakistan wins against Sri Lanka with better NRR
– And NZ lost to England

Pakistan will sneak into the Semi-Final.
But aisa nahi hoga because we have full confidence in Pakistan.

— Farrago Abdullah Parody (@abdullah_0mar) February 25, 2026

NZ made sure below things –
-Pakistan out of the world cup
-No semi final and finals in Sri Lanka

— Sunil The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) February 25, 2026

Sri Lanka to Pakistan: hum to doobenge sanam tujhko bhi saath hi leke jayenge

Lanka out of this World Cup. Pakistan all but out. #SLvsNZ #ICCT20WorldCup

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 25, 2026

New Zealand have thrown Sri Lanka out of the T20 World Cup, and have put Pakistan on the brink of an exit.
Fans can now buy tickets of the two semifinals in Kolkata and Mumbai and then the final in Ahmedabad.

— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) February 25, 2026

Victory in Colombo 💥

Matt Henry set the tone with 2-3 off his 2 overs as Rachin Ravindra picked up 4-27 off his 4 overs 🔥

📷 = ICC/Getty#SLvNZ #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/VlGbcNBdfu

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 25, 2026

RACHIN RAVINDRA STEALS THE SHOW 🌟🇳🇿🔥

Won POTM for a match-winning all-round display 🏆💥

32 off 22 with the bat 🏏⚡ 4 overs • 27 runs • 4 wickets 🎯🔥#T20WorldCup2026 #RachinRavindra #srilanka #Cricket #NewZealand #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/k5tJTjflJT

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 25, 2026

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Here’s why James Neesham and Kamil Mishara are not playing today’s SL vs NZ Super 8 match

Following India‘s heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa, the team’s strategy for their must-win T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 game against Zimbabwe in Chennai on February 26, 2026, has become a major talking point.

Two-time World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting and former India coach Ravi Shastri have offered sharp tactical advice to help the defending champions keep their campaign alive, specifically addressing the controversial exclusion of vice-captain Axar Patel. This loss snapped a 12-match winning streak, creating an urgent need for the Indian think-tank to resolve their selection puzzles before wrapping up the Super Eight stage against the West Indies in Kolkata this Sunday.

Ricky Ponting’s plea for simplicity and the best XI for India’s Super 8 game vs Zimbabwe

Ponting has urged the Indian management to stop over-complicating selection based on opponent matchups and instead return to the fundamentals of squad building. He believes the decision to bench vice-captain Axar Patel to avoid bowling a left-arm spinner to South Africa’s left-handers was a tactical error that ignored the core value of fielding the strongest possible team. Ponting emphasized that a captain’s primary skill lies in the ‘art’ of managing world-class bowlers effectively within a game, rather than completely removing them from the XI based on the handedness of the opposition batters.

“Listening to the commentary, the reason Axar didn’t play is because of the left-handers in the opposition side. But there’s still some right-handers there. It just comes down to the art of the captain of being able to use Axar at the right time. I would be going back to the basics. I’d be just looking at their lineup. Who’s our best XI for the conditions in Chennai?” Ponting was quoted as saying by ICC.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Rinku Singh returns home due to family emergency; Sanju Samson unleashes power at Chepauk nets

The case for Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin variety

Beyond the debate over Axar, Ponting is pushing for the return of Kuldeep Yadav to the starting lineup for the Chepauk clash. He argues that Kuldeep’s unique ability to spin the ball both ways makes him a ‘matchup-proof’ asset who can trouble any batter regardless of whether they are left or right-handed. This variety is particularly lethal on subcontinental tracks where the extra bounce and deceptive ‘wrong-ones’ of a wrist-spinner can create wicket-taking opportunities that traditional finger spinners might miss, especially when defending a total.

“If it has Kuldeep Yadav in it, that’s the other one that I’d be thinking about bringing back because it doesn’t matter with him if it’s left-hand or right-hand. He can bowl wrong ones and spin the ball away from the left-hand outside edge of both those batters.” Ponting concluded.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Ravi Shastri proposes tactical shake-up in India’s playing XI for Super 8 game against Zimbabwe

The high-stakes atmosphere of the T20 World Cup Super 8s turned chilly for Team India in Ahmedabad, as a clinical South African side exposed significant cracks in the Men in Blue’s armor. While the scoreboard told a story of a heavy defeat, the post-match discourse has shifted toward the dugout. Former cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced sharp, sarcastic criticism regarding Head Coach Gautam Gambhir’s tactical maneuvers, specifically questioning the “fix-it-all” approach to all-rounder Washington Sundar.

With India’s semi-final hopes now dangling by a thread, the defeat has ignited a fierce debate over team selection and the ability of India’s middle order to handle sophisticated pace variations.

Sanjay Manjrekar criticises Gautam Gambhir’s tactic of picking Washington Sundar

In the aftermath of the loss, Manjrekar did not hold back while analysing the tactical collapses on CNN-News18’s Stump Mic. His primary target was Gambhir’s heavy reliance on Sundar as a tactical “Swiss Army knife,” a move that Manjrekar feels is being overplayed to the detriment of the team’s balance.

“Kailas Jeevan, there used to be a medicine by that name back in the day. If you had a headache, you would use it. If you had a stomach issue, you would take it. It was an all-in-one remedy. Gautam Gambhir seems to have an all-in-one solution for everything too—Washington Sundar,” Manjrekar remarked with a touch of irony.

The critique centered on the decision to promote Sundar to No. 5, a move that pushed proven finishers like Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya further down the order. Manjrekar argued that this reshuffle created unnecessary pressure, stating, “If there’s a batting problem, Washi. If there’s a bowling problem, Washi… It was just too much.” This tactical rigidity, according to Manjrekar, suggests a lack of confidence in specialized roles when the stakes are highest.

Also WATCH: Gautam Gambhir shares stern words with Abhishek Sharma prior to high-stakes T20 World Cup Super 8 match vs Zimbabwe

South Africa steamroll India in T20 World Cup Super 8 clash

While the selection drama unfolded off the field, the action on the pitch revealed a technical vulnerability in the Indian lineup. South Africa’s bowling unit, led by a disciplined Lungi Ngidi, dismantled the Indian batting order not through raw speed, but through masterfully disguised slower deliveries. The Ahmedabad surface, which offered grip for the change-ups, became a graveyard for India’s aggressive intent.

Manjrekar highlighted that the struggles against pace variations are becoming a recurring theme, particularly for the captain. “Forget fast bowling, focus on playing the slower balls. The captain [Suryakumar Yadav] is struggling the most against slower deliveries,” he added.  This assessment rings true after Ngidi and the South African attack repeatedly forced mistimed shots from India’s top and middle order.

The road ahead is now a steep climb. India must face Zimbabwe in a must-win encounter to keep their semi-final dreams alive. Beyond just a victory, they require a massive margin to repair a Net Run Rate (NRR) that took a severe hit following the Ahmedabad collapse. As Gambhir faces his first major tactical crisis in the Super 8s, the pressure is on to see if he will stick to his all-in-one remedies or pivot to a more traditional structure.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Sunil Gavaskar slams star India batter following humiliating defeat against South Africa

In a tournament where small margins have defined survival, Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana provided a moment of individual brilliance to redeem himself after a costly early lapse during T20 World Cup 2026 match against New Zealand. During the critical Super 8 encounter against New Zealand on February 25, 2026, Theekshana turned the tide of the match by executing a spectacular return catch to dismiss the dangerous Finn Allen.

Just an over earlier, the mystery spinner had dropped a ‘sitter’ of Tim Siefert at short third man off Dilshan Madushanka‘s bowling, a mistake that left the bowler livid and threatened to haunt Sri Lanka in a must-win game. However, his quick-thinking athleticism soon after not only energized the Sri Lankan camp but allowed him to personally correct the momentum before Allen could take the game away.

Maheesh Theekshana’s redemption: A stunning return catch to remove Finn Allen

The dismissal occurred in the fourth over of the New Zealand innings, shortly after Tim Seifert had been given a life due to Theekshana’s spilled chance. Facing the 3.1 delivery, Finn Allen went deep inside his crease to stay leg-side of a carrom ball, attempting to work it away but instead chipping it tamely back toward the bowler.

Showing remarkable reflexes in his follow-through, Theekshana reacted instantly as the ball stayed low to his left. He threw himself toward the turf and claimed the catch with both hands just inches above the ground. Upon completing the catch, he threw the ball toward the umpire and hit the turf, a clear sign of both relief and lingering frustration over his previous fielding error.

Here’s the video: 

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Here’s why James Neesham and Kamil Mishara are not playing today’s SL vs NZ Super 8 match

Dushmantha Chameera and Theekshana stun New Zealand early in Colombo

The Super 8 showdown at the R. Premadasa Stadium has reached a fever pitch as Sri Lanka’s bowling unit produced an inspired opening burst to leave New Zealand reeling at 75/3 after 10 overs. After Dasun Shanaka won a crucial toss and opted to bowl, Theekshana provided the first breakthrough by removing a dangerous-looking Allen for 23, pouching a sharp caught-and-bowled to atone for an earlier dropped chance.

The momentum swung further in the hosts’ favor when Dushmantha Chameera entered the attack, striking twice in quick succession to dismiss Tim Seifert for 8 and the explosive Glenn Phillips for 18, the latter being beaten for pace as his stumps were rattled. Currently, Rachin Ravindra is fighting a lone battle with a composed 26, attempting to anchor the innings alongside Daryl Mitchell as they navigate a surface that is already showing signs of significant turn and variable bounce.

The Colombo crowd is in full voice as the Sri Lankan spinners, led by Theekshana, have effectively dried up the boundaries, forcing the Kiwis into a cautious rebuilding phase. With the projected score dipping below 160, New Zealand desperately needs a substantial partnership in the back half of the innings to remain competitive in what has effectively become a knockout match for the Black Caps.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026: Super 8 showdown at Pallekele turns ugly as England and Pakistan fans engage in physical altercation

The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is the center of attention as Match 46 of the T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. With the humidity rising and the red-soil pitch looking particularly dry, the toss proved to be a vital moment in this Super 8 clash. Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit the early moisture before the lights take effect and the surface potentially settles for the chase.

T20 World Cup 2026: Reason why James Neesham and Kamal Mishara are not playing today’s SL vs NZ Super 8 match

The major talking point at the toss was the strategic reshuffle from both camps. The major talking point at the toss was the strategic reshuffle from both camps. For New Zealand, the explosive all-rounder James Neesham is a surprise omission, making way for Cole McConchie. Captain Mitchell Santner explained that the decision was driven by the need for an extra finger-spinner in the middle overs to exploit the larger ground dimensions. Santner noted:

“We’ve made one change, Cole McConchie comes in for Jimmy Neesham, which gives us a bit more spin in the middle order. It adds balance, but a lot will depend on the ground dimensions. I think whichever side is smarter in using the bigger side of the boundary will have a pretty good day.” Santner said.

On the other side, Sri Lanka has also tinkered with their top order, with youngster Kamil Mishara missing out to accommodate the return of Charith Asalanka. Shanaka emphasized that while Mishara has been stable, the experience of Asalanka was necessary given the pressure of a Super 8 fixture. Shanaka remarked:

“There might be some assistance for the spinners, but you never really know what the surface will offer, so we felt bowling first was the right call. We’ve made one change—Kamal Mishara misses out and Charith Asalanka comes into the side, which adjusts our top order slightly.” Shanaka said.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: A high-stakes battle for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final survival

The road to this Super 8 encounter has been a test of nerves for both the Black Caps and the Lankan Lions. New Zealand enters this match seeking their first “full” Super 8 points after their opening fixture against Pakistan was washed out in Colombo, leaving them in a “must-win” scenario to keep their semi-final destiny in their own hands. Their bowling attack, led by the fiery Lockie Ferguson and the surgical Matt Henry, has been the highlight of their campaign so far.

Sri Lanka, the tournament co-hosts, find themselves in a more precarious position. Following a crushing 51-run defeat to England in Pallekele where they were bowled out for just 95, the Islanders are fighting for survival. Despite a strong group stage where they dominated Oman and Australia, their struggle against high-quality spin has become a recurring theme. With the R. Premadasa crowd behind them, the Lankans know that a loss today would effectively end their World Cup dreams on home soil. The winner of this tactical battle takes a massive leap toward the final four, while the loser faces an early exit from the competition.

As India gears up for their crucial T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight clash against Zimbabwe in Chennai on February 26, former all-rounder Suresh Raina has suggested two strategic changes to the playing XI. Following India’s 76-run loss to South Africa, Raina believes the team needs to balance their batting order and bolster their bowling depth to remain competitive in the race for the semi-finals. Raina’s primary focus is on injecting ‘X-factor’ energy into the middle order and utilizing players who have the local support of the Chennai crowd.

T20 World Cup 2026: Suresh Raina names 2 changes India must make for Zimbabwe Super 8 game

The X-factor move: Sanju Samson in for Tilak Varma

During a discussion on Jiohotstar, Raina has strongly advocated for the inclusion of Sanju Samson at the No. 3 position, replacing Tilak Varma, who managed only 1 run in the previous outing. Raina pointed out that with two left-handers already at the top of the order, bringing in a right-handed batter like Samson would provide much-needed variety and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. Additionally, Raina noted that since Samson was picked by CSK for the IPL 2026 season, the Chennai fans at the Chepauk Stadium would provide him with massive vocal support, potentially boosting his confidence to deliver a match-winning performance.

“You will have to first bring in Axar Patel. Will Tilak Varma play at No. 3 or will Sanju Samson be added there? CSK have taken him this year. So it remains to be seen how he performs there. The fans will definitely support him. I feel you should bring in Sanju at No. 3 because you already have two left-handers at the top. Suryakumar Yadav is batting well,” Raina said.

Strengthening the spin attack: Axar Patel over Washington Sundar

The second change proposed by Raina involves the spin department, where he wants to see Axar Patel return to the lineup in place of Washington Sundar. While Sundar played the last two matches against the Netherlands and South Africa, he remained wicketless in the latter, conceding 17 runs in two overs. Raina believes Axar offers a more reliable all-round package, particularly with his ability to strike lower down the order and his proven track record in high-pressure T20 scenarios. By bringing in Axar, India would gain a more potent bowling option that complements the ‘hard-hitting’ style of Shivam Dube and the finishing skills of Rinku Singh.

“Rinku Singh is there down the order, and if Axar comes in place of Washington Sundar, he also plays well. The hard-hitting Shivam Dube is batting differently. However, can Sanju Samson be the X-factor if a right-handed batter comes there? I feel two changes here – bring Sanju at No. 3 and Axar Patel in place of Washi,” he added.

Also READ: Faf du Plessis makes bold all-time T20 opener pick; Virat Kohli ignored

India vs Zimbabwe: T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match in Chennai

The Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup moves to Chennai for a critical encounter between India and Zimbabwe. Both teams are seeking their first points in this round after suffering heavy defeats in their opening matches. India are coming off a 76-run loss to South Africa, which significantly impacted their Net Run Rate (NRR) to -3.800. Zimbabwe also faced a setback, losing to the West Indies by 107 runs after conceding a tournament-high total of 254.

For India, this match is a must-win to remain in contention for the semi-finals. Beyond just securing two points, the team needs a substantial margin of victory to begin repairing their NRR before their final group game against the West Indies. Zimbabwe, having already caused an upset against Australia earlier in the tournament, will look to exploit the spin-friendly conditions at Chepauk to stay alive in the competition. A loss for either side would likely result in mathematical elimination from the tournament.

Also READ: What does Jofra Archer’s ‘C’ celebration mean? England pacer sparks buzz after Saim Ayub’s wicket in T20 World Cup 2026

The latest update to the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, reflecting the high-stakes drama of the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup. As the tournament shifts into the critical Super Eight stage, consistent performers are being rewarded with significant jumps, while veteran stars are proving that age is just a number. From Zimbabwe’s historic resurgence to India’s rising middle-order firepower, the charts now mirror the shift in power currently unfolding on the field.

Shivam Dube and Ishan Kishan register notable jumps in their respective ICC rankings

India’s white-ball depth is on full display in the latest rankings, with power-hitter Shivam Dube and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan making significant strides. Dube, whose ability to dismantle spinners has become a vital asset for the Men in Blue, has jumped to a career-high 7th position in the all-rounder rankings. His recent Player of the Match performance against the Netherlands, where he blazed 66 off just 31 balls, cemented his status as one of the most impactful utility players in the world.

On the batting front, Ishan Kishan has made a thunderous return to the top tier. After a brief hiatus from the national setup, Kishan’s explosive form during the group stages has propelled him 3 spots up to 5th overall. He joins a dominant Indian batting contingent that includes Abhishek Sharma, who remarkably maintains his No. 1 ranking despite a string of low scores. This surge by Kishan and Dube underlines India’s aggressive new-age T20 philosophy, which prioritizes strike rates and multi-dimensional skills.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Rinku Singh returns home due to family emergency; Sanju Samson unleashes power at Chepauk nets

Sikandar Raza rises to No. 1 all-rounder of the T20I format

The headline of the week belongs to Zimbabwe’s talismanic skipper, Sikandar Raza. In what has been a see-saw battle for supremacy, Raza has officially reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings. The 39-year-old veteran overtook Pakistan’s rising star Saim Ayub following a series of vintage performances that carried Zimbabwe to the Super Eight stage, a feat that famously saw the elimination of former champions Australia.

Raza’s rise is no fluke of the calculator; it is a direct result of his match-winning contributions under immense pressure. He played a pivotal role in the victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo with a brisk 45 and followed it up with a gritty 27 against the West Indies in Mumbai. His ability to provide four economical overs of off-spin while anchoring the middle order has made him the most valuable asset in the shortest format.

While Raza holds the summit for now, the competition is breathing down his neck. Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi moved up to 6th, and South Africa’s Corbin Bosch made a meteoric 21-place leap to 3rd in the bowling charts, signalling that the race for the top will only intensify as the 2026 World Cup reaches its business end.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: 2 changes India should make in their playing XI for must-win Zimbabwe clash

The historic Pallekele International Cricket Stadium witnessed a night of high drama on February 24, 2026, as England edged out Pakistan by two wickets in the 45th match of the T20 World Cup Super Eights. While Harry Brook’s sensational 51-ball century steered England into the semifinals, the aftermath in the Pakistan camp was anything but celebratory. Following the narrow defeat in the Group 2 clash, a fiery televised exchange between former captain Mohammad Hafeez and spin legend Saqlain Mushtaq has gone viral, exposing deep rifts over the team’s tactical direction and the roles of key all-rounders.

Tensions flare as Mohammad Hafeez responds strongly to Saqlain Mushtaq after England defeat

With Pakistan now staring at a near-certain elimination, the post-match analysis on a prominent TV channel turned into a battlefield. The core of the argument rested on the utility of Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan. Hafeez, known for his blunt “Professor” persona, questioned whether these players were being selected based on merit or vague labels. “Is he a bowling all-rounder or a batting all-rounder?” Hafeez demanded, specifically targeting Shadab.

Mushtaq, who has previously coached the national side and is the father-in-law of Shadab, attempted to defend the duo, asserting they possess equal prowess in both departments. “Look, he is a bit of both,” Saqlain insisted.

However, Hafeez shot back with a personal anecdote to illustrate his point: “I played for Pakistan as an all-rounder. My primary job was batting. If I am not scoring, I do not need my 8, 6, or 4 overs. My captain used to tell me that if I don’t deliver with the bat, we don’t need your bowling. Nawaz’s primary job is bowling—if he can’t do that, we don’t want him.”

Critics have viewed Hafeez’s remarks as a thinly veiled jibe at Shadab’s stagnating form. This isn’t the first time the two have clashed; a similar spat occurred after Pakistan’s recent loss to India, where Hafeez blamed the senior core while Saqlain pointed fingers at the support staff.

Here’s the video:

🚨🚨 HEATED ARGUMENT BETWEEN HAFEEZ AND SAQLAIN MUSHTAQ🚨

-Saqlain is trying to defend his son-in-law

-Hafeez asking why is he in team ? What are his first priority in the team ?

• Shadab is the biggest Parchi after Babar Azam ❗pic.twitter.com/o4sm5MbhFh

— SheR•ALI (@Sher__Ali) February 24, 2026

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Shaheen Afridi reveals reason behind Pakistan’s defeat against England in Super 8 clash

Shadab Khan’s dismal bowling run in T20 World Cup 2026

The tension between the two legends is fueled by Shadab’s statistical decline as a frontline bowler. While Shadab provided a cameo with the bat (23 runs) against England, his bowling—his primary job, remained ineffective at a time when Pakistan needed breakthroughs to stop the Harry Brook onslaught.

Shadab’s journey through the 2026 T20 World Cup has been a rollercoaster of inconsistency. Aside from a standout performance against Namibia, his ability to contain top-tier batters has vanished:

The numbers highlight a worrying trend: in critical games against major nations like India and England, Shadab has failed to take a single wicket. As Pakistan prepares for a “do-or-die” final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka, the debate over whether the team is over-reliant on struggling all-rounders continues to divide the nation’s cricketing icons.

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