Ahead of India’s crucial Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe, former spinner Anil Kumble has urged the team not to underestimate their opponents. He reminded the Suryakumar Yadav-led side that in tournaments like the T20 World Cup, every match carries pressure and no team can be taken lightly. India is coming into this contest after a disappointing loss to South Africa in their Super 8 opener, a result that has put them in a tight spot. With little room for error, they now need victories in their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to stay in control of their semi-final chances.
Kumble stressed that instead of overthinking the situation, India should stick to their natural, aggressive style of cricket. Playing positive cricket, backing their strengths and showing intent from the start will be key. With qualification on the line, India must respond strongly and avoid any complacency against a determined Zimbabwe side.
India needs to play their natural, aggressive brand of cricket against Zimbabwe. But Zimbabwe are going to be a tough opponent, and they must be respected. They have delivered some strong performances. They beat Australia. They chased down 179 against Sri Lanka on Sri Lankan soil.
हर हर महादेव 🕉️ pic.twitter.com/v2629OVGB4
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) February 15, 2026
“They have convincingly beaten Australia. Their top four batters have been in excellent form. Their tall fast bowlers, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, have been outstanding with the ball, especially in the powerplay,” Kumble said on JioHotstar.
Zimbabwe had a dream run in the ongoing tournament and were unbeaten in their group stage fixtures. But their campaign hit a major hurdle after their brutal loss to the Windies in the first Super 8 match, which leaves them further behind India on net run-rate. To have any chance of progressing past the Super Eight stage, they must now beat both India and South Africa convincingly.
“India cannot take them lightly. They need to be at the top of their game. Any individual who gets going must make it count. You cannot assume the next batter will do the job. In the T20 World Cup, there are no ifs and buts. You have to go out and deliver as an individual. So yes, you hope for the right result, but India must focus on doing what they need to do,” he added.
