Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has shed light on India’s playing XI for the Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Srikkanth reckons there are fewer chances of Kuldeep Yadav getting his opportunity at Chennai.

The Chennai track is mostly a paradise for the spinners but Srikkanth said Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh are well supported by Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya in the ongoing World Cup.

Meanwhile, Yadav had played against Pakistan in Colombo and he returned with figures of 1-14 in the three overs he bowled

“Arshdeep is bowling well, Bumrah is bowling brilliantly, well supported by Hardik and Axar Patel. Why should they bring in Kuldeep Yadav? There is no chance. It will be a batting track in Chennai,” Srikkanth said on ‘Cheeky Cheeka’.

The 1983 World Cup-winning player said Sanju Samson will replace Rinku Singh in the playing XI.

He added, “Sanju Samson will come in for Rinku Singh and Axar Patel for Washington Sundar. Sanju will open and Ishan Kishan will come at number three.”

The former aggressive batter urged Indian batters to be careful against Blessing Muzarabani and Ngarava. Muzarabani has scalped 11 wickets in four matches of the World Cup.

“We have to be careful against Muzarabani and Ngarava. In their opening spell, we must not give them wickets. They have got the pace and bounce. If they bring in an off-spinner, Sanju Samson will take them on. This is his game. Somehow, with the help of the universe, he will get a chance again, and it is a batting track. It is working towards him. Otherwise, with his performance and form, he would not have gotten a chance,” he said.

India will take on Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Thursday.