- By Vishal Pushkar
- Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:04 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India's team management is under a lot of pressure after the Suryakumar Yadav-led side lost a crucial Super Eight game against South Africa by 76 runs. The defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium has also raised doubts about whether the defending champions will be able to qualify for the semifinals or not. Ahead of the must-win game against Zimbabwe, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has expressed that the team can opt for changes in the XI.
Kotak, while addressing the reporters on Wednesday, stated that a left-hander-heavy top order has failed to live up to the expectations for them in the last couple of matches.
“There can be changes. Obviously, we discuss these things because the two openers and the number three are left-handed, and the opposition has an off-spinner. Personally, I don’t think that is a problem, but since we lost three games and lost a wicket in the first over, any team would think about it," Kotak said at the press conference on Wednesday.
“We are thinking and will see how it goes. We never decide the team too early, and it is not fair to reveal our plans so far in advance. But yes, there will definitely be discussions," he added.
With Sanju Samson currently not playing, questions are increasing about his potential comeback for the match against Zimbabwe. Some reports suggest that the wicketkeeper-batter from Kerala had a lengthy practice session with the number three and four batters in Chennai on Tuesday. Nevertheless, Kotak mentioned that Samson's time spent in the nets should not be interpreted as a sign.
“Normally, Abhishek does not start batting in the nets; he usually bats second. As far as Sanju is concerned, he would normally bat if we have the time because he is the third opener. He bats in different slots, and sometimes he wants to do specific drills, so that is not an indication."
“Yes, there will definitely be discussions about playing him, but the nets do not give any indications," he added.