After beating the USA by 28 runs in their 2026 T20 World Cup opener, India will now face Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12.
The first match began with a stunning collapse from
the hosts. Asked to bat first, the top order crumbled against Shadley van Schalkwyk (4/25), falling to a precarious 77/6 by the 13th over. However, skipper Suryakumar Yadav staged a brilliant rescue act. After being dropped on 15, he anchored the innings before exploding in the final two overs to finish 84 off 49 balls. His late onslaught propelled India to a competitive 161/9.
USA’s reply faltered instantly as Mohammed Siraj struck twice in his opening spell, leaving them reeling at 13/3. Despite gritty middle-order contributions from Sanjay Krishnamurthi (37) and Shubham Ranjane (37), the chase lacked momentum. India’s spinners, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy, maintained a tight squeeze, restricting the USA to 132/8 to secure a hard-fought victory.
Although concerns about India’s batting troubles were valid and understandable, the team also started this match with just 13 squad members available. After Harshit Rana was ruled out due to injury and replaced by Siraj, pacer Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Washington Sundar were also unavailable for selection due to illness and injury, respectively.
To add to the woes, even opener Abhishek Sharma reportedly picked up an illness during the match. While Sundar has joined the team and will return to bowling, the team’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, said Abhishek Sharma was still ill as of Tuesday (February 10) and Bumrah had not bowled either.
There’s a good chance that the team could rest Bumrah for an additional game, considering Siraj and Arshdeep Singh performed exceptionally well against the USA. Giving Abhishek some more time is trickier, but Sanju Samson is a more than able short-term replacement, if needed.
Sundar’s return could put pressure on Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube but both should continue for at least another game as the Tamil Nadu man proves his fitness to the team management.
India’s Likely Playing 11: Sanju Samson*, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Mohammed Siraj.
(* dependent on Abhishek’s fitness)
