Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin doesn’t want the team management to make too many changes to the playing XI for the must-win game against Zimbabwe in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Abhishek Sharma has struggled with his form, managing only 15 runs against South Africa after three consecutive ducks in the group stage.

In the last two games, Washington Sundar has been preferred ahead of vice-captain Axar Patel. Ashwin said he is not sure what must be running through Patel’s mind after he was dropped despite decent performances. Patel had scalped three wickets in as many games in the group stage.

Sanju Samson, who is also not in the best of forms, can come into the playing XI.

“Should Abhishek continue or not? It is a valid question. But I do not know how good making changes now will be for the team atmosphere. The players playing in the team are heroes and they will not be able to give their best if doubts are raised within themselves. We have left the vice-captain out. We don’t know what is going on in his mind,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin reckons India should bat first against Zimbabwe in a must-win contest.

“If I were India, I will continue to bat first and I would not want to chase. Although they have been day games, conditions for batting have been one of the best in Chennai in this World Cup,” he said.

The Chennai track is expected to provide assistance to the spinners and thus, the Indian batters will need to up their game.

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