Following their 28-run victory over the USA in the opening match of the 2026 T20 World Cup, India will take on Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12.
Abhishek NOT IN? Samson included? India’s Probable Playing XI For T20 WC Match Against Namibia
The opening game started with an astonishing downfall from the home team. Requested to bat first, the upper order collapsed against Shadley van Schalkwyk (4/25), reaching a worrying 77/6 by the 13th over. Nonetheless, captain Suryakumar Yadav executed a remarkable comeback. After being dismissed on 15, he steadied the innings before unleashing in the last two overs to complete 84 from 49 deliveries. His late attack lifted India to a challenging 161/9.
The USA’s response quickly stumbled when Mohammed Siraj took two wickets in his first spell, leaving them shaky at 13/3. Even with robust middle-order efforts from Sanjay Krishnamurthi (37) and Shubham Ranjane (37), the pursuit fell short of gaining traction. India’s bowlers, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy, exerted pressure, limiting the USA to 132/8 to achieve a hard-earned win.
While the worries regarding India’s batting issues were legitimate and justifiable, the team entered this match with only 13 players available. Following Harshit Rana’s injury-related exclusion and Siraj’s substitution, pacer Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Washington Sundar were also not available for selection because of illness and injury, respectively
To exacerbate the situation, even opener Abhishek Sharma is said to have fallen ill during the game. Sundar has joined the team and will resume bowling, but the team’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, mentioned Abhishek Sharma remained unwell as of Tuesday (February 10) and Bumrah also had not bowled.
Is Sanju Samson the Direct Replacement if Abhishek Sharma Misses Out?
It’s quite likely that the team might give Bumrah an extra game off, given how well Siraj and Arshdeep Singh played against the USA. Allowing Abhishek extra time is more complicated, but Sanju Samson can effectively serve as a capable short-term substitute if necessary.
Sundar’s comeback might create competition for Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube, yet both should remain for at least one more match while the Tamil Nadu player demonstrates his fitness to the team management.
India’s probable Playing XI(Depending on Abhishek Sharma’s Fitness):
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson*, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Mohammed Siraj.
✅FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Abhishek Sharma playing against Namibia in the T20 World Cup?
Abhishek Sharma’s participation is uncertain as he remained unwell as of February 10. His inclusion depends on a late fitness assessment by the team management.
Why is Abhishek Sharma’s place in India’s Playing XI in doubt?
Abhishek Sharma reportedly fell ill during India’s opening match and has not yet fully recovered, making his availability unclear for the Namibia fixture.
Who can replace Abhishek Sharma if he misses the Namibia match?
Sanju Samson is the most likely short-term replacement if Abhishek Sharma is ruled out of the match against Namibia.
Will Jasprit Bumrah play against Namibia?
India may give Jasprit Bumrah another game off as he has not resumed bowling, especially after strong performances from Siraj and Arshdeep Singh.
