Chepauk spin scare likely to bring squad changes; Stage set for Sanju Samson

CHENNAI: Reports emerge that Malayali player Sanju Samson would likely be included in the Indian team for the match against Zimbabwe on Thursday. This will also allow Sanju to play in the ground, which would become his new home ground in the upcoming IPL season.

Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Verma are likely to be subbed off in the upcoming game. The fact that the Chepauk pitch favours spin and the need for a right-hand hard-hitting batsman, favour Sanju’s inclusion into the team.

Rinku Singh, who returned from his hometown following his father's illness, will join the team this evening. Axar Patel will also return to the team. Considering the situation in Chennai, Kuldeep Yadav may play as an extra spinner.

Probable team: Abhishek, Sanju, Ishan, Surya, Dubey, Hardik, Rinku/Tilak, Axar, Arshdeep, Varun, Bumrah.

Zimbabwe will field the same team that played against the Windies.

The two teams have faced each other only once in the T20 World Cup. India won that match in Melbourne in 2022.

This is the first time Zimbabwe will play a T20 match against India in India.