ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
T20 WC: Rinku will join squad ahead of Zimbabwe clash: Coach
Kotak confirmed that the batter will return to Chennai on the evening of Feb. 25.
-
IANS - Wed, 25, Feb 2026
- 09:35 EST
- 15
India's Rinku Singh during the warm-up session before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22, 2026. / Courtesy: IANS
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that middle-order batter Rinku Singh will be joining the squad on the evening of Feb. 25 ahead of a must-win Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe at the M A Chidambaram Stadium on Feb. 26.
Rinku, who has figured in all the matches India has played so far in the ongoing T20 World Cup, left the team hotel and traveled to Uttar Pradesh on Feb. 24 after his father, who is suffering from liver cancer, was admitted to a hospital and is on ventilator support. He did not attend a practice session on Feb. 24.
ALSO READ: Ponting urges India to 'go back to the basics' for Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe
While addressing the press conference, Kotak confirmed that the batter will return to Chennai on the evening of Feb. 25. "Rinku's father wasn't well. So he went back. I think he is coming back this evening," he said.
However, there are chances that India may bring wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson into the playing XI for the must-win match against Zimbabwe.
Speaking about if the team will have any changes after a 76-run loss against South Africa, Kotak said, “There can be changes, yes. We are discussing everything because we have two left-handers as openers and a left-hander at number three, and the opposition also has an off-spinner.
"Since we lost wickets in the first over in the last three games, any team would think about changes. We never decide the team too early, and it’s not fair to reveal plans in advance, but yes, there are definitely thoughts about it.”
Samson, in particular, attracted significant attention from the coaching staff during the practice session on Feb. 24. With Abhishek Sharma facing challenges at the top of the order and Ishan Kishan not providing advantageous matchups against the off-spinners, discussions have arisen about potentially breaking this pattern by including Samson in the team.
When asked if the net session gave the indications that Samson will play against Zimbabwe, Kotak replied, "Sometimes he wants to do some drills, but I don't think net sessions give any indications. But, definitely, there will be thoughts about playing him."
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login