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Virender Sehwag on Sanju Samson: Virender Sehwag says that Sanju Samson should be given a chance by giving a break to Abhishek Sharma against Zimbabwe. It is a do or die situation for India to face Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup. If India loses in this match, its journey from the tournament will end.
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
New Delhi. Today is a do or die match for Team India in the T20 World Cup 2026. After the big defeat against South Africa, India will have to register a big win over Zimbabwe in its second Super-8 match at any cost, only then the team will remain in the race for top-4. Defeat will knock India out of the tournament. Many changes can be seen in the Indian playing-11 for this match to be held in Chepauk, Chennai. There are speculations that Sanju Samson can be sent to open in place of Abhishek Sharma. Many veterans also believe the same. Now Virendra has also given a statement, in which he talked about giving a break to Abhishek.
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has said that if he was in the team management, he would have given a break to Abhishek Sharma and played Sanju Samson in his place. Sehwag said on Cricbuzz, ‘If it were me, I would have rested Abhishek Sharma and given a chance to Sanju Samson in his place. This is a match where you can make changes, because if India loses this match then they will be out of the tournament. He further said, ‘This is a very important match, so India should choose its strongest playing eleven on the basis of current form.’
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
Abhishek’s bat is not working
This T20 World Cup of Abhishek has been quite disappointing. He continued to struggle with poor form. So far he has been able to score only 15 runs in four matches. His average has been 3.75. He was out on 0 thrice in a row in the group stage. After this he scored 15 runs in 12 balls against South Africa. India’s top order problem persists in the T20 World Cup and Abhishek needs to score runs to improve it. Till now the team management has kept faith in him and they are hopeful that he will return to form. However, it will be interesting to see what decision the captain and head coach take regarding Abhishek in the match against Zimbabwe.
Road to semi-finals difficult for India
Along with the points, India will also have to take care of its net run rate, which has become -3.8 after the big defeat against South Africa. If West Indies defeats South Africa in the Super 8, then the path to the semi-finals will become very difficult for Suryakumar Yadav and company. Therefore, the team will have to pray for the defeat of West Indies before their match.
Abhishek Sharma
What did the batting coach say about Abhishek?
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said in the pre-match press conference, ‘Abhishek’s health was a little unwell and after that he could not maintain his rhythm. But he looked good in the last match. I don’t believe in thinking too much about any one player. He further said, ‘Our job is to keep them in a good mental state. When he starts hitting the ball well again, you will see the same old Abhishek. In T20, no one can guarantee that he will definitely do well in the next match.
About the Author
Working as Sub Editor in Network 18 Group since November 2025. 3 years experience in journalism. Debuted in sports journalism with Zee News. Interested in writing about cricket as well as hockey and badminton. mother…read more