India will take on Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, February 12, in the second match of the group stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue opened their title defense with a 29-point win over the United States in their first group match in Mumbai. As for Namibia, they were hammered by the Netherlands by seven wickets in Delhi.

India The Group A match against the United States was not an easy one. Instead, after being sent into the batter’s box, they were defeated 77-6. Their captain Suryakumar Yadav (84 off 49) needed a stellar batting performance to hold the home team to 161-9. In the chase, the US led 132-8 with Mohammed Siraj taking three wickets while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel took two wickets each.

Before India vs Namibia 2026 T20 World Cup Heading into Thursday’s match in Delhi, we take a look at some of the key developments related to the match.

#1 Abhishek Sharma’s uncertainty may provide ‘opportunity’ for Sanju Samson

India opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for winning the Golden Duck against the United States in Mumbai. Subsequently, he did not participate in the game due to stomach problems. The southpaw even had to be hospitalized with a stomach bug but was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. Men in blue are unlikely to push Abhishek Return to action immediately after hospitalization.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson had a long session in the nets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He appears set to replace Abhishek in the T20 World Cup against Namibia in Delhi. Samson has been in poor form since the start of 2025. He was left out of the starting lineup against the United States. However, Abhishek’s illness may well have provided him with another chance.

#2 Could Jasprit Bumrah be back?

India’s speed spearhead Jasprit Bumrah He missed the team’s first T20 World Cup match against the United States due to illness. He subsequently recovered and has been bowling at full strength in the nets. At the pre-match press conference, batsman Tilak Varma confirmed that Bumrah is in good condition and can return against Namibia on Thursday.

Bumrah appears to have fully recovered. However, it would not be surprising if the team management decides to give the top fast bowler extra rest ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup clash Pakistan on Sunday.

#3 Ishan Kishan takes a painful blow from Jasprit Bumrah

In-form India batsman Ishan Kishan is dealing with an injury as he suffered a painful blow to his foot after being hit by fast bowler Bumrah’s delivery. The left-handed hitter limped off after getting hit during practice on Wednesday. He did reportedly return to baseball, but not for long.

Kishan He returned to the Indian team for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. He scored 76 off 32 in the Raipur T20I and 103 off 43 in Thiruvananthapuram. In India’s first match of the 2026 T20 World Cup, the left-handed batsman was dismissed for 20 off 16 balls.

#4 Washington Sundar resumes training after joining India T20 2026 World Cup squad

India all-rounder Washington Sundar has returned to training after suffering a side strain in the first ODI against New Zealand in January. In a video released by BCCI on Wednesday, the all-rounder recited a famous dialogue in Tamil which translates to “Tell them I’m back”. Returning to training, the all-rounder commented:

“It’s great to be here training with the lads. We had a very intense training session and met all the requirements. Our fielding drills were really good and I bowled a lot and batted a lot.”

although Samson With the match against Kishan looking set to begin on Thursday, the Men in Blue may also opt to replace Abhishek with Sundar. The Tamil Nadu cricketer has proven his all-round ability and is also a good fielder.

#5 Namibia unhappy for not training under lights

India’s Thursday T20 World Cup opponents Namibia expressed disappointment at not getting a chance to play under lights. Namibia played their first game in Delhi, but that was a day game. Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus said on the eve of the game:

“We don’t have any lights in Namibia. Infrastructure-wise, it can be a challenge for us. So, yes, it’s not a casual thing. You don’t often get used to lights and training under lights, except for the players who have played in the Nepal Premier League, ILT20 and the World Cup that we have played in. Yes, we didn’t do night training before this game. I don’t know why.”

India and Namibia have met only once before in the T20I format. The Men in Blue defeated Namibia by nine wickets in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai.