The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues its thrilling journey as defending champions India take on Namibia in the 18th match of the tournament. This Group A fixture, at the historic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, marks a crucial junction for the Men in Blue. After a hard-fought victory against the USA in their opener, India enter this contest as the heavy favorites. However, the pre-match buzz wasn’t just about the points table; it was centered on the sudden changes in the Indian lineup. At the toss, fans were surprised to see two key names, Abhishek Sharma and Mohammed Siraj, missing from the starting XI.
Why Abhishek Sharma and Mohammed Siraj are not playing today’s match?
The mystery behind the team selection was cleared up by captain Suryakumar Yadav during the toss. Namibia won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision influenced by the looming threat of dew. Suryakumar, unfazed, noted that India was looking to bat first regardless. Addressing the big question about the missing players, he provided a mix of medical and tactical updates.
Abhishek Sharma’s absence is a significant blow to the top order. The young sensation, who has been a revelation in the shortest format, has been sidelined due to a stomach infection. Reports suggest that Abhishek was briefly hospitalised earlier this week after the team arrived in Delhi. While he has been discharged and is recovering well, the team management decided not to risk his health.
“Abhishek is still not fine; he will miss a game or two,” Suryakumar confirmed during the toss. This opening slot has now been handed to Sanju Samson, whose explosive batting style mirrors Abhishek’s, ensuring the Powerplay remains aggressive.
On the bowling front, the omission of Mohammed Siraj is more a matter of squad rotation and the return of a legend. Siraj, who was a last-minute addition to the squad following Harshit Rana‘s injury, performed brilliantly in the first game. However, with Jasprit Bumrah recovering from a viral fever that kept him out of the opener, the “Yorker King” has reclaimed his spot. Siraj makes way for Bumrah in what is seen as a move to give the pace spearhead much-needed match practice before the high-voltage clash against Pakistan scheduled for February 15.
Playing XI of both the teams
India: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Namibia: Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Malan Kruger, Zane Green (wk), Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, Max Heingo
