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Former Indian keeper-batter Parthiv Patel has reckoned that the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, needs to bring in the all-rounder and vice-captain Axar Patel into their playing XI for the Super8 clash against Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 26, in Chennai.
Speaking exclusively to JioStar, Parthiv asserted that Axar played crucial knocks in the past and his inclusion in the XI would bolster the Indian playing XI. Furthermore, he also added that Sanju Samson’s inclusion would offer a different perspective in the top-order.
"I would like to see Axar Patel coming back into the team. He has played crucial knocks in the past. Yes, match-ups come into play, but I would definitely bring Axar Patel in. There is also the question of Sanju Samson. There could even be a homecoming for him in Chennai now. It is something India would definitely be considering, especially given the glaring problem Indian left-handers are facing against off-spinners," Parthiv said via JioStar.
Additionally, Parthiv went on to state that Samson should come in at No.3, replacing Tilak Varma to offer a left-right combination in the order. If the Indian team persists with the same XI, Suryakumar should come at No.3 with Tilak taking up the No.4 role, according to the former keeper.
"Yes, Sanju Samson is not in great form either, but bringing in a right-hander could offer a different perspective. Or maybe, India could just try changing the batting order. If Sanju Samson comes in, he should bat at number three. If he does not play, then Surya has to bat at three," Parthiv added.
Notably, Tilak Varma has failed to live upto the expectations in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, playing at a low strike rate. India will next lock horns with Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday, February 26.
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