Team India will face Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, February 12 in their second group match of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue kick-started their title defense with a 29-run win over the United States of America (USA) in their opening group match in Mumbai. As for Namibia, they were hammered by Netherlands by seven wickets in Delhi.
India did not have it all easy in their Group A clash against USA. On the contrary, having been sent into bat, they crumbled 77-6. It needed a superb batting performance from their skipper Suryakumar Yadav (84* off 49) to lift the hosts to 161-9. In the chase, USA were held to 132-8 as Mohammed Siraj starred with three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel picked up two each.
Ahead of the India vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026 match in Delhi on Thursday, we take a look at some key developments related to the contest.
#1 Uncertainty over Abhishek Sharma might provide an ‘opening’ for Sanju Samson
Team India opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck against USA in Mumbai. He then did not take the field due to a stomach issue. The southpaw even had to be hospitalized for a stomach bug, but was discharged on Wednesday. The Men in Blue are unlikely to push Abhishek back into action immediately after his hospitalization.
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has been having long batting sessions in the nets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He seems set to replace Abhishek for the T20 World Cup clash against Namibia in Delhi. Samson has been woefully out of form since the start of 2025. He was dropped from the playing XI for the clash against USA. However, Abhishek’s illness is likely to provide him with another chance.
#2 Jasprit Bumrah likely to be back?
Team India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah missed the side’s opening T20 World Cup match against USA due to illness. He has subsequently recovered and has been bowling full-tilt in the nets. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, batter Tilak Varma confirmed that Bumrah is absolutely fine and could be back for the match against Namibia on Thursday.
Bumrah seems to have regained full fitness. However, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the team management decides to give the premier fast bowler additional rest ahead of the big T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan on Sunday.
#3 Ishan Kishan takes painful blow from Jasprit Bumrah
In-form Team India batter Ishan Kishan suffered an injury scare after taking a painful blow on his foot as he was struck by a delivery from fast bowler Bumrah. The left-handed batter limped off during the practice session on Wednesday after being hit. According to reports, he did return to bat, but not for a long duration.
Kishan made his comeback to the Indian during the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. He clobbered 76 off 32 in the Raipur T20I and 103 off 43 in Thiruvananthapuram. The left-handed batter was dismissed for 20 off 16 balls in India’s opening T20 World Cup 2026 match against USA.
#4 Washington Sundar resumes training after joining Indian T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Team India all-rounder Washington Sundar has resumed training after recovering from the side strain he suffered during the first ODI against the Kiwis in January. In a video posted by the BCCI on Wednesday, the all-rounder recited a famous Tamil dialogue, which translates to ‘tell them I am back’. On getting back to training, the all-rounder commented:
“It’s nice to be over here with the boys and training. We had a very intense session and ticked all the boxes. We did a very good fielding session, and I got to bowl a lot and also bat.”
While Samson looks set to open with Kishan on Thursday, the Men in Blue also have the option of replacing Abhishek with Sundar. The Tamil Nadu cricketer has proven all-round abilities and is a good fielder as well.
#5 Namibia unhappy over not getting to train under lights
Team India’s opponents for Thursday’s T20 World Cup match, Namibia have expressed disappointment over not getting a chance to play under lights. Namibia played their first match in Delhi, but that was day game. Speaking on the eve of the match, Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus said:
“We haven’t got any lights in Namibia. Infrastructure wise, it’s probably the challenge for us. So yeah, it’s not a casual thing. Barring the guys who have played in the Nepal Premier League, ILT20 and the World Cups we have played, you don’t get accustomed to lights and train under it very often. Yeah, we haven’t been given night training before this game. I don’t know why.”
India and Namibia have met just once before in the T20I format. The Men in Blue beat Namibia by nine wickets in the 2021 T20 World Cup clash in Dubai.
Edited by Renin Wilben Albert
