Team India practise - (Source: X.com)
On Tuesday, February 10, India assistant and fielding coach Ryan Ten Doeschate spoke to the press ahead of India’s upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match against Namibia on February 12. The India coach provided a massive update on Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Washington Sundar.
Notably, the two teams are all set to lock horns against each other at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. India’s first match was in Mumbai, where Jasprit Bumrah missed out because of a fever and opener Abhishek Sharma also didn’t take the field because of an upset stomach.
Abhishek Sharma yet to recover from illness
In the pre-match presser, Ryan Ten Doeschate confirmed that Abhishek is yet to recover from his illness. It can be a big blow for India because the southpaw, who is the No. 1-ranked T20I batter in the world, registered a golden duck in India’s match against the USA.
“It’s great the game is back on, no big change for us. We got to know late yesterday. Washington Sundar has joined the team, will bowl today; so will Bumrah. Bumrah hasn’t bowled for 10 days, Abhishek still has an upset stomach,” remarked Ryan.
Notably, Abhishek didn’t even travel with the squad to Kotla and has skipped the training session. Therefore, it is unlikely that the southpaw features against Namibia.
Doors open for Sanju Samson's return
Abhishek Sharma’s illness has also opened the doors for Sanju Samson, which were shut after his shambolic performance against New Zealand in the five-match T20I series. Notably, Samson, who was opening with Abhishek, amassed just 49 runs in five innings.
Therefore, for the T20 World Cup 2026, India management went ahead with Ishan Kishan to open the innings with Abhishek. Now, if the SRH batter fails to recover in time, then Ishan will open with Sanju Samson for the Namibia match.
Washington Sundar joins squad in Delhi, Jasprit Bumrah regains fitness
The most important news for India fans is that Jasprit Bumrah has regained full fitness. Notably, Bumrah also sweated hard in the training session in Kotla and is all set to play against Namibia. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar, who was at the CoE because of a rib fracture.
Sundar didn’t travel to Mumbai for the first game, but he, too, has regained full fitness and is on his way to Delhi to rejoin the team ahead of the Namibia match.
Ryan Ten Doeschate speaks on India-Pakistan match
"Great the game is back on. Always was under the impression that it was happening. Got the confirmation late last night, early morning. Great to have a chance to play vs Pak because it’s a quality side," remarked Doeschate during pre-match presser.
Notably, on February 9, PCB officially withdrew their boycott against India on February 15. Therefore, the match is on and the two heavyweights will lock horns in Colombo. Notably, both teams are fresh off a win.
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