India’s heavy 76-run defeat against South Africa has clearly rattled the camp, forcing the team management to rethink their strategy ahead of the must-win T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe in Chennai on Thursday. With the margin of defeat hurting India’s net run rate and qualification hopes hanging in the balance, changes to the playing XI are now firmly on the table.

One of the biggest concerns has been the performance of India’s left-hand-heavy top order. In the last five matches of the tournament, the combination hasn’t delivered the consistency the team expected. Opposition teams have repeatedly targeted the lineup with off-spin early in the innings, exposing a tactical imbalance that the management is now seriously evaluating.

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak admitted that discussions are underway regarding potential changes but stopped short of revealing specific plans.

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“There can be changes. Obviously, we discuss these things because the two openers and the number three are left-handed, and the opposition has an off-spinner. Personally, I don’t think that is a problem, but since we lost three games and lost a wicket in the first over, any team would think about it,” Sitanshu Kotak said during the pre-match press conference.

“We are thinking and will see how it goes. We never decide the team too early, and it is not fair to reveal our plans so far in advance. But yes, there will definitely be discussions.”

The spotlight has also turned towards Sanju Samson, who has yet to feature prominently in the ongoing campaign. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter reportedly had an extended net session with the middle-order batters during training in Chennai, fuelling speculation about a possible return to the XI against Zimbabwe.

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However, Kotak clarified that net sessions should not be interpreted as selection hints.

He explained, “Normally, Abhishek does not start batting in the nets; he usually bats second. As far as Sanju is concerned, he would normally bat if we have the time because he is the third opener. He bats in different slots and sometimes wants to work on specific drills, so that is not an indication. Yes, there will definitely be discussions about playing him, but the nets do not give any indications.”