Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has shared bold views ahead of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup match against Namibia. Srikanth said he will promote all-rounder Washington Sundar as the opener if Abhishek Sharma is unavailable, although Sanju Samson is the designated replacement.

On February 12, Abhishek was hospitalized with a stomach infection before Delhi’s match against Namibia. The left-handed batsman was sent off for the Golden Duck against the United States and did not play. He left the team dinner at head coach Gautam Gambhir’s residence earlier than others.

I will bring Washington Sundar – Kris Srikkanth to replace Abhishek Sharma

In an interview with Cheeky Cheeka, Kris Srikkanth said that he will ask Washington Sundar to open the batting ahead of Sanju Samson. He added that the move will help Sundar sharpen his game and Sundar may lower his order if Abhishek returns to Pakistan.

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“If I had been the captain, I would have had a different thought process. Sanju was completely out of form. I would have fielded Washington Sundar and left him open. I hope he gets fit enough to play against Pakistan,” Srikanth said.

If Abhishek comes back for Pakistan, I will push Sundar to No. 8 and remove Rinku Singh. My thinking here is out of the box. Samson was treated fairly, but he did nothing. This is just to give Sundar a feeling of competition,” he added.

The only good thing is that Sanju Samson might get a chance – Kris Srikkanth

Chris Srikanth also said Abhishek Sharma’s absence from the Namibia match will hurt India as the opener will need game time to get back into rhythm before the match against Pakistan. Srikkanth added that if Sanju Samson gets a chance, he must make the most of it.

“Abhishek Sharma is very important against Namibia and gets his rhythm back. Momentum in cricket is very important,” Srikanth said.

“So him not playing will be a very big loss. The only good thing is that Sanju might get an opportunity. We have to see if he can take advantage of that opportunity. He has to take advantage of that opportunity, there is no other option,” he added.

Abhishek Sharma’s absence may open door for Sanju Samson

Abhishek Sharma has been India’s best T20I batsman in the last two years. He scored 1297 runs in 39 games at an average of 36.02 and a strike rate of over 194, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.

If Abhishek misses the Delhi game, Sanju Samson is expected to open the batting alongside Ishan Kishan. Jasprit Bumrah, who missed Team USA’s game due to illness, returned to training on February 10, while Washington Sundar also returned from a side strain to rejoin the team.

After the Namibia clash in Delhi, India will travel to Sri Lanka to face Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. They will then return home for their final Group A match against the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad.

India is currently second in Group A and can return to the top of the standings if they defeat Namibia in the upcoming matches.

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