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India vs England, 2nd Semi-Final Playing 11: Will Sanju Samson play again today? Check Probable XI, weather and pitch report inside
ET Online | March 5, 2026 5:38 PM CST

Synopsis

IND vs ENG Playing 11: As India faces England in a high-stakes T20 World Cup semi-final at the Wankhede, we analyze the predicted lineups, the battle of spinners vs. power-hitters, and key team news for both sides.

India vs England 2nd Semi-Final Playing 11 (Prediction) here.
The stage is set at the iconic Wankhede Stadium for a blockbuster rematch as India and England face off in the second semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. This recurring knockout chapter—the third in as many editions—finds both teams searching for the elusive "perfect game" under the Mumbai lights. While Suryakumar Yadav’s men have relied on individual flashes of brilliance to navigate the Super Eights, Harry Brook’s England has shown a resilient ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. With a place in the Ahmedabad final at stake, the focus shifts to the final tactical tweaks and the playing XIs that will define this high-octane encounter.

IND vs ENG: 2nd Semi Final India Predicted XI

India enters the semi-final with a settled look but faces questions regarding the consistency of their top order. Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy have struggled to maintain their early-tournament form, yet the team management is likely to stick with the winning combination that downed the West Indies. The "home advantage" is a significant factor, with Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah having intimate knowledge of the Wankhede bounce. Despite calls for Rinku Singh's inclusion, India is expected to maintain their depth with Shivam Dube and Axar Patel.

India Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.


IND vs ENG: 2nd Semi Final England Predicted XI

England’s selection dilemma centers on their bowling configuration. After utilizing an extra spinner in Rehan Ahmed on the gripping surfaces of Sri Lanka, the pace-friendly conditions of Mumbai may prompt a recall for Jamie Overton. Skipper Harry Brook remains the lynchpin of the batting, supported by the dangerous Phil Salt and Will Jacks, the latter being a pivotal match-up option against India's left-heavy middle order.

England Probable XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

Also Read: India vs England Mumbai Weather Update: Rain chances in today's semi-final? Check forecast, dew factor and pitch report

IND vs ENG 2nd Semi Final Pitch Report: Wankhede Stadium

The Wankhede surface for the semi-final carries a light tinge of grass, which usually aids the seamers early on under the lights. However, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel anticipates a high-scoring thriller typical of this venue. The short boundaries and the consistent bounce make it a paradise for power-hitters, though the "red soil" might offer some zip for the spinners as the game progresses. Winning the toss and chasing remains the preferred strategy here due to the potential dew factor.

India vs England 2nd Semi Final Weather Report: Mumbai

The weather forecast for Mumbai this evening is clear, with temperatures hovering around 28°C to 30°C. Humidity will be high (around 70%), which is expected to bring the dew into play during the second innings. There is currently a 0% chance of rain, ensuring that fans get a full 40-over contest without interruptions.

India vs England 2nd Semi Final Full Squads

India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.

England Squad: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Harry Brook(c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Luke Wood, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton.


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