India head into their next fixture of T20 World Cup 2026 vs Namibia with a couple of significant talking points dominating the build-up. The first is how they respond to what was, by their standards, a subpar performance in the opening game. The second revolves around injuries and absentees, and how those factors could influence team selection and balance.
The immediate focus is on Abhishek Sharma and whether he will be fit enough to feature. Ideally, he plays the match. However, there is a strong feeling that he probably will not. If that turns out to be the case, India have to carefully consider how they manoeuvre their side. There are two obvious options available, and the decision hinges largely on how involved they believe Abhishek will be over the course of the tournament.
If the management assess that Abhishek is unlikely to play next couple of games, then the logical step would be to promote Sanju Samson to open the batting. That would provide stability at the top and allow the team to maintain balance without overcomplicating matters. On the other hand, if there is a reasonable chance that Abhishek could miss the next game and then remain fit for the remainder of the tournament, the approach may be different. In that case, it may be wiser to look at someone like Washington Sundar and give him an opportunity in this match.
The reasoning behind that approach is straightforward. Washington Sundar is back in the squad, and there is a clear sense that he has a role to play as the tournament unfolds. If he is going to be part of India’s plans in the World Cup, he will need match time at some point. This could represent the ideal opportunity to provide him with valuable game time and ensure he is ready when called upon. Ultimately, the call on Abhishek’s involvement will dictate how India shape their XI.
There is also the expectation that Jasprit Bumrah would return in place of Mohammed Siraj, provided he is fit enough to play. That adjustment seems relatively straightforward, but it further highlights how selection decisions are being influenced by fitness concerns.
Looking back at the first game, there were broader lessons as well. One individual performance stood out as outstanding, but beyond that, there were aspects that could have been handled better. Looking at the pitch in the first game, I thought the surface would be flat, a belter, and conducive to free scoring. It appeared as though the ball would come nicely onto the bat. It did not look particularly quick, but it seemed set up for a high-scoring contest.
That assessment turned out to be inaccurate. The pitch did not play as expected, and in fact several matches have followed a similar pattern. Surfaces that appeared batting-friendly have held up slightly, making stroke play less straightforward. This is where adaptability becomes crucial.
India, like several other sides in the competition, have embraced an ultra-aggressive approach. They are looking to take the game on and push it to new levels. That intent is admirable and aligns with modern T20 cricket. However, there are moments when conditions demand a slightly different method. There are times when a side has to respect the surface and adjust accordingly. In the first game, India perhaps did not adapt as quickly or as effectively as they could have.
Suryakumar Yadav’s innings illustrated that point perfectly. He read the situation, understood the demands of the moment, and was willing to dial things back temporarily before accelerating later. He recognised that the pitch required a different tempo. India, as a collective, may have been a touch slow to make that adjustment, and it nearly cost them. Had Suryakumar been dismissed caught and bowled earlier, the outcome might have been very different. In the end, his innings was outstanding and carried India over the line.
On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh continues to impress. The likely combination moving forward appears to be Arshdeep, Bumrah and Hardik, alongside Varun Chakaravarti. I would still like to see Kuldeep Yadav in the side, though fitting him into the XI presents a challenge.
Another area requiring clarity is Rinku Singh’s position. The team seem keen to give him match time and extended periods at the crease, which has led to him being pushed slightly up the order. The intention appears to be to provide him with exposure and rhythm. However, there is a question about whether that best utilises his strengths.
If Rinku is to play, it makes sense to deploy him in the phase of the innings where he is most effective—the latter overs. That is where his impact is maximised. If India persist with using him in the first 10 overs, he may not be as effective. One alternative could be adjusting the order—perhaps allowing Axar Patel to go ahead of him—so that Rinku can bat in his preferred position. If that cannot be facilitated, then the management may need to consider reshuffling the side altogether. Playing him out of position risks diminishing his influence.
Despite these selection dilemmas and tactical nuances, India remain clear favourites. The emphasis now is on ensuring their batters spend meaningful time in the middle. If that means taking a few balls to get set, particularly in the upcoming game against Namibia, so be it.
Recent matches in Delhi have reinforced the need for caution. In the game between Netherlands and Namibia, the pitch looked decent but held up slightly, particularly in the first innings. The ball did not always come onto the bat as freely as expected. In a day-night fixture, conditions may differ, but the broader lesson stands: assess first, attack later if necessary. Sometimes giving oneself a handful of deliveries to understand the surface can make a significant difference.
Namibia, for their part, faced the tougher end of the toss against Netherlands in their opening game. The pitch offered a bit more in the first half before sliding on more smoothly in the second. For them, Jan Frylinck will be a key player. A former bowler who is now a batter, he adds an interesting dimension. Louren Steenkamp at the top of the order is also crucial, and that opening partnership will be central to their hopes. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton also contributed with a good hand.
Namibia rely heavily on their left-arm options—JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelman and Bernard Scholtz among them. However, India’s left-hand-heavy batting line-up could complicate that strategy. A left-arm attack often matches up well against right-handers, but against multiple left-handers it can present a different challenge.
For Namibia, the fundamentals will matter. Taking their catches will be key. They are likely to be up against it, but they will aim to improve on their first outing and show development as the tournament progresses.
