As the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 heats up, defending champions India gear up for their second Group A encounter against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium
in New Delhi on February 12.
With a convincing 29-run victory over the USA in their opener, India aim to maintain momentum in a tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Namibia, seeking their first win after a loss to Nepal, face a formidable challenge against the hosts.
This match marks only the second T20I between the sides, with India dominating their sole previous meeting in 2021 by nine wickets. Illness has plagued the Indian camp, prompting potential tweaks to the lineup, but the team remains focused on a clinical performance ahead of tougher clashes like the one against Pakistan.
India Team News vs Namibia
Abhishek's absence opens the door for Samson, who was benched in the first game despite his inclusion in the squad as a backup opener. Washington Sundar, recovering from a rib injury, could be an option if further spin is needed, but the team management prefers stability. These changes come amid a viral outbreak in the squad, yet India's depth ensures minimal disruption. Namibia's lineup, led by Gerhard Erasmus, includes threats like Ruben Trumpelmann, but they lack the experience to counter India's stars.
India Playing 11 vs Namibia
India will have to reshuffle as Sanju Samson is likely to open alongside Ishan Kishan, stepping in for the unwell Abhishek Sharma, who was hospitalised with a stomach bug. Tilak Varma slots in at three, followed by captain Suryakumar Yadav at four.
Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
