Why Rinku Singh is Not Playing Today in IND vs ZIM T20 World Cup Match 2026?

The Indian cricket team faces Zimbabwe in what could be a must-win game for the Men in Blue. The high-voltage Super 8 clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 is being hosted by one of the biggest cricket stadiums in the world, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav shocked everyone by announcing a huge change during the toss as star batter Rinku Singh has been dropped from the playing 11. Rinku, who has been a key part of this T20I team, is surprisingly not playing this important match.

Why Rinku Singh is Not Playing Today against Zimbabwe?

India's star batter Rinku Singh recently returned home mid-tournament after his father fell ill and was admitted to the hospital. However, the batter rejoined the squad ahead of the IND vs ZIM T20 World Cup Match 2026. But the Indian team management decided to go with Sanju Samson for this match.

Samson has been preferred as Rinku Singh replacement to strengthen India's batting lineup. The main reason behind Rinku being snubbed could be his poor performance in the ICC T20 World Cup so far. With Samson playing, the fans wondered who would be India's wicketkeeper against Zimbabwe. However, Suryakumar confirmed during the toss that Samson will be seen keeping the wickets instead of Ishan Kishan.

Dropping Rinku wouldn't have been easy since he is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. He has an excellent T20I record and always bats in difficult situations. But India's new team combination forced him to sit out of this match.

Who Will Open for India Today Against Zimbabwe?

As the Indian team management has included Sanju Samson in the playing XI, there was a big question regarding what would be India's opening combination for the match. India included three opening batters in the playing XI with the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson.

Abhishek and Ishan have been India's usual opening batters in the tournament so far. However, with Samson coming, the team management decided to move Kishan to No. 3. Hence, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson were India's opener for the IND vs ZIM T20 World Cup match.

With this decision, the team management has opted for a left-right opening combination, widely regarded as one of the most effective partnerships at the top. Samson provided India a flying start but got out for a quickfire 24.