Is India set to press the panic button after the defeat against South Africa? Indian batting Sitanshu Kotak hinted that the team could make multiple changes in the playing XI to salvage their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign for the must-win clash against Zimbabwe on Thursday (February 26) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

India is at major risk of being knocked out in the Super 8 stage of the tournament after a heavy 76-run defeat against Zimbabwe. Not only do the Men in Blue need to win both their games, but they also need to either hope other results go their way or significantly improve their Net Run Rate (NRR).

On the eve of the fixture, the team's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed a press conference and hinted that changes could be on the cards. He claimed that the defeat has forced the team to relook at their combination, with Sanju Samson and Axar Patel emerging as key players who could return to the playing XI.

Kotak pointed out the issue with two left-handers opening the batting which could see Samson come in as opposition teams are successfully using off-spinners in the first over.

"There can be changes. It goes without saying because there are two lefties at the top and opposition are bowling off spinners. I personally think it is not a problem, but since we have lost early wickets, there will be thoughts," said Kotak.

"I honestly don’t think we have to change much. There are 15 players and there will be discussions about combinations. If our openers click it will be different. Because of some failures, we had lost some momentum," Kotak added.

Samson could replace either Abhishek or Tilak, who have struggled with form. Abhishek has made just 15 runs in four innings, while Tilak has 107 runs in five innings at a poor strike-rate of 118.88. Samson lost his place in the side after scoring just 46 runs in five innings against New Zealand in a series last month. However, he played the clash against Namibia when Abhishek was ill and made 22 runs in eight balls.

Also Read:Will Rinku Singh Play Do-Or-Die Clash Against Zimbabwe After Returning Home? Indian Team Provide Big Update

Indiashockingly left outAxaragainst South Africa for Washington Sundar, but it is expected that the vice-captain will return to the line-up for this game.

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