T20 World Cup: Rinku Singh to Rejoin Squad Before Zimbabwe Match; Sanju Samson's Inclusion Under Consideration, Says Kotak
Synopsis
In a significant update, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that Rinku Singh will return to the squad ahead of the crucial Super Eights match against Zimbabwe. Discussions are also underway about including Sanju Samson in the playing XI following a recent defeat.
Key Takeaways
Rinku Singh will rejoin the Indian squad ahead of the match against Zimbabwe.
His absence was due to a family emergency regarding his father's health.
Sanju Samson's potential inclusion in the team is being considered.
The team is evaluating changes after a loss to South Africa.
Coaching staff are closely monitoring players' performance in practice sessions.
Chennai, Feb 25 (NationPress) India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, announced that middle-order batsman Rinku Singh will rejoin the squad on Wednesday evening prior to the crucial Super Eights encounter against Zimbabwe at the M A Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.
Rinku, who has participated in every match India has played in the current T20 World Cup, left the team hotel and traveled to Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday due to his father’s hospitalization, who is battling liver cancer and is on ventilator support. Consequently, he missed the practice session that day.
During a press conference, Kotak stated, "Rinku's father was unwell, so he went home. I believe he will return this evening."
There is a possibility that India might include wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in the playing XI for the critical match against Zimbabwe.
Addressing whether there would be any alterations to the lineup following a 76-run defeat to South Africa, Kotak remarked, "Changes could happen, yes. We are evaluating everything since we have two left-handed openers and a left-hander at number three, while the opposition also fields an off-spinner.
"Given that we lost wickets in the first over in the last three matches, any team would contemplate changes. We don’t finalize the team too early, and it’s unfair to disclose plans ahead of time, but indeed, there are thoughts on the matter."
Samson, in particular, caught the attention of the coaching staff during Tuesday's practice. With Abhishek Sharma struggling at the top of the order and Ishan Kishan not providing favorable match-ups against off-spinners, discussions have emerged about possibly altering this dynamic by incorporating Samson into the team.
When questioned about whether the net session suggested that Samson would play against Zimbabwe, Kotak responded, "Sometimes he wants to practice specific drills, but I don’t believe net sessions provide any clear indications. However, we are definitely considering him for selection."
Point of View
The situation surrounding Rinku Singh's family health emergency highlights the human aspect of sports. Meanwhile, the tactical discussions regarding Sanju Samson's possible inclusion reflect India's strategic planning as they aim to secure a spot in the next round of the T20 World Cup.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rinku Singh leave the team?
Rinku Singh left the team to attend to his father, who is hospitalized with liver cancer and on ventilator support.
When will Rinku Singh return to the squad?
Rinku Singh is expected to rejoin the squad on Wednesday evening.
Is Sanju Samson likely to play against Zimbabwe?
Yes, there are discussions within the team about including Sanju Samson in the playing XI for the match against Zimbabwe.
