with India‘S t20 world cup 2026 With the campaign hanging in the balance, team selection has once again become the biggest talking point. after a crushing defeat South Africa In the Super 8 stage, the Men in Blue will now have to win the match at all costs zimbabwe On 26th February in Chennai. Amid growing scrutiny over team composition, the former India captain chris srikanth Has offered his frank opinion and has backed a young batsman to retain his place while recommending two important changes in the playing eleven.
Kris Srikkanth believes the young batsman will retain his place
Notably, Srikanth supported Tilak Verma To retain your place. Tilak’s form remained under question throughout the tournament. In five matches, the left-handed batsman has scored 107 runs at an average of 21.40 and a strike rate under 120 – numbers that do not reflect his potential. However, Srikanth believes that the statistics do not tell the whole story.
The former opener pointed out that Tilak has played useful cameos, including a crucial inning of 20-plus runs against Pakistan under pressure. According to Srikanth, such contributions, though minor, demonstrate flair in big moments.
He also threw light on the Chennai factor. The upcoming match will be played on a traditionally cool surface, which may suit a stroke-maker like Tilak. Srikkanth reminded fans of Tilak’s impressive innings against England at the same venue last year, and suggested that familiarity with the conditions could help him find his rhythm again. In a tournament where confidence can change fortunes overnight, Srikkanth feels dropping Tilak now could do more harm than good.
“Tilak Verma has scored a few 20s. He scored an important 20 against Pakistan. I will not drop him for this match. The wicket will be calm in Chennai, so he should not be dropped for this match. Last year he played a brilliant innings against England here.” Srikanth said on his YouTube channel.
Star all-rounder will replace Washington Sundar
Another major recommendation of Srikanth includes bringing Akshar Patel Back in XI. Axar has been ruled out of India’s last two matches washington beautiful Preferred as a spin-bowling all-rounder.
However, after the loss to South Africa, many fans and experts questioned that call. Srikkanth echoed those sentiments, advocating Axar’s return for his greater experience and ability to contribute in high-pressure scenarios.
Akshar’s all-round ability – tight left-arm spin and easy hitting lower down the order – could provide the balance that India desperately needs. In situations like knockouts, experience is often more important than experimentation, and Srikkanth seems to rely heavily on that philosophy.
forward, along Rinku Singh Upon returning home reportedly due to a family emergency, India may be forced to make a reshuffle. Srikanth suggested this while revealing insights from the net sanju samson can open with Abhishek Sharma. According to him, during practice, Samson batted first, then Ishan Kishan – A sequence indicating a change in a possible batting order. If this happens, Kishan is likely to come in at number 3.
“So it will be Akshar Patel for Washington Sundar and Sanju Samson for Rinku Singh. Looking at what happened in the nets, it looks like Sanju Samson will open the batting with Abhishek Sharma. Sanju batted first, and then Kishan batted. So Sanju will open with Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan will come at number 3. Akshar Patel will come in place of Washington Sundar. If Samson replaces Rinku, then Akshar will replace Sundar. Have to come, which I think is not right, but they have no other option. Added Srikanth.
