Reeling from a heavy 76-run loss to South Africa, India’s T20 World Cup Super 8 campaign is on the brink as they must beat Zimbabwe in Chennai to stay alive for the semifinals. Despite the pressure of being in unfamiliar territory and needing victories in all remaining matches, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak says the team won’t panic and will stick to its aggressive brand of cricket while making strategic tweaks to the batting order. Calm training sessions and belief in their temperament are central to India’s approach as they aim to bounce back. (PC: PTI)

Sri Lanka were knocked out of the T20 World Cup after losing to New Zealand by 61 runs in Colombo on February 25. The defeat ended their semi-final hopes. New Zealand’s big win improved their Net Run Rate to +3.050.   Pakistan are still in the race but face a tough task. Their NRR is -0.461. They must beat Sri Lanka by about 70 runs in their final Super 8 match. Pakistan also need England to defeat New Zealand.   If England’s match is washed out, New Zealand will qualify. Pakistan will know the required margin before facing Sri Lanka on February 28. (PC: India Today)

India are thinking about changes ahead of the T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Zimbabwe in Chennai. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the team is reviewing its options after early wickets in recent games.   “There can be changes, yes. We are discussing everything because we have two left-handers as openers and a left-hander at number three,” Kotak said.   He added that losing wickets in the first over in the last three matches is a concern. “Any team would think about changes,” he said.   Sanju Samson is in contention. Kotak said there will “definitely” be thoughts about playing him. However, he stressed that practice sessions do not confirm selection. (PC: BCCI)

Rinku Singh is set to rejoin the Indian squad ahead of their crucial Super 8 match against Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 26, after briefly leaving the camp due to a family emergency. The middle-order batter had flown home to attend to his father’s health concerns, raising doubts over his availability for the must-win fixture. With his return, India receive a timely boost as they prepare for a key encounter in the tournament. Team management is expected to assess his match readiness before finalising the playing XI. (PC: AP)

Sanju Samson was the focus at India’s training session in Chennai after Rinku Singh flew home due to a family emergency. Rinku is doubtful for the Super Eight match against Zimbabwe. He missed practice under lights at Chepauk. Samson had a long batting session. He faced both pace and spin. He also worked on his keeping. Coach Gautam Gambhir watched closely. If Rinku is unavailable, Samson could return to the XI. India are also reviewing their top-order options after the loss to South Africa. Axar Patel trained with bat and ball and may come back on the black-soil pitch. (PC: X)

Star India middle-order batter Rinku Singh has returned home from Chennai due to a family emergency, casting serious doubts over his availability for India's must-win ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s match against Zimbabwe on Thursday. A BCCI source confirmed to PTI that Rinku missed India's training session at MA Chidambaram Stadium. His father, Khanchand Singh, is reportedly hospitalised in serious condition in Greater Noida. Rinku has featured in all five of India's tournament matches but has struggled for form, scoring just 26 runs across five innings. If unavailable, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is likely to replace him. India's title defence hinges critically on Thursday's result in Chennai. (PC: X)

Sanju Samson was the focus at India’s training session in Chennai after Rinku Singh flew home due to a family emergency. Rinku is doubtful for the Super Eight match against Zimbabwe. He missed practice under lights at Chepauk. Samson had a long batting session. He faced both pace and spin. He also worked on his keeping. Coach Gautam Gambhir watched closely. If Rinku is unavailable, Samson could return to the XI. India are also reviewing their top-order options after the loss to South Africa. Axar Patel trained with bat and ball and may come back on the black-soil pitch. (PC: X)

India’s team management said Axar Patel’s absence against South Africa was a tactical call based on balance. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said the think tank had “spent so much time deliberating about the 11.” He said the choice was between Axar and Washington Sundar. “The decision was purely around match-ups and power-play plans,” he added. India wanted an extra batter in Rinku Singh and a bowler who could operate early. “It’s not to take anything away from Axar and his leadership,” he said. South Africa scored 187/7 and bowled India out for 111, winning by 76 runs.

Star Sports removed its ‘Cupcake’ promo after India’s heavy loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match in Ahmedabad.   The ad had mocked South Africa’s past record and suggested India would win comfortably. However, India were beaten by 76 runs.   The promo was later deleted from digital platforms. The move has sparked discussion over the tone of cricket promotions before major matches.   Viewers questioned whether such campaigns assume victory too early and show little respect for the opposition.

Defending champions India slipped to the bottom of Group 1 after a big defeat to South Africa national cricket team in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Super 8 round. South Africa moved to the top with two points and a strong net run-rate of 3.8. India now have a negative NRR of -3.8. India must beat Zimbabwe and West Indies to stay in the race. They may also need big winning margins if teams finish level on points. As per ICC rules, teams level on points are ranked by wins. If still tied, net run-rate decides. Head-to-head results are considered next. (PC: X)