Samson as Abhishek's replacement, Bumrah back?- India playing XI vs Namibia, T20 World Cup

Sanju Samson is likely to come in for Abhishek [Source: AFP]

After registering a decisive 29-run victory over the United States, India are ready to take on Namibia in their second group stage match of the T20 World Cup 2026. Ahead of the crucial face-off, the co-hosts have suffered a massive setback, with ace batter Abhishek Sharma hospitalised due to a stomach infection. 

While Abhishek's health status opens the doors for Sanju Samson's comeback, Jasprit Bumrah might also make his comeback after missing the USA encounter due to illness. So, as Suryakumar Yadav and co. gear up for the mega clash, here we analyse to predict the India playing XI Vs Namibia in the T20 World Cup. 

Openers and top order: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma

According to the latest report, Abhishek Sharma is still recovering from a stomach infection that prevented him from attending India's first training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday. The swashbuckling southpaw has been hospitalised and chances are high that he will not receive fitness clearance to make it into the India playing XI vs Namibia on Thursday. 

In Abhishek's absence, Kerala keeper-batter Sanju Samson is the frontrunner to open the batting for India against Namibia. Although Samson has struggled in T20Is, managing only 268 runs at an average of 16.75 and a strike rate of 128.23. 

However, as India don't have an alternative opening option in the reserves, Samson will likely open the batting with the in-form Ishan Kishan. Meanwhile, Tilak Varma is expected to retain his number three slot in India playing XI vs Namibia, having amassed 567 runs at an average of 56.70 and a strike rate of 160.62. 

Middle order and allrounders: Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel

Captain Suryakumar Yadav will bat at number four, having scored 1975 runs at an average of 42.93 and a strike rate of 169.53 at that position. He showcased remarkable form in the last game, rescuing India from a precarious situation with a blistering knock of 84* runs off just 49 balls. 

Hardik Pandya will be a vital cog in India playing XI vs Namibia, as he can contribute to India's success with bat and ball. The talismanic allrounder has bagged 105 wickets besides scoring 2076 runs for the Indian team in the shortest format. 

Swashbuckling batter Rinku Singh adds immense value to the table as a valuable middle-order batter. On the other hand, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel are absolute certainties in the India playing XI vs Namibia, courtesy of their versatility and all-round attributes. Axar can be handy with his left-arm off-spin, while Dube can torment the opposition in the slog overs apart from chipping in with a few overs of gentle medium pace. 

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy

Ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah is likely to make a comeback into India playing XI vs Namibia. He missed the previous game due to illness; however, as he has recovered, Bumrah will likely replace Mohammed Siraj. 

Although Siraj bagged three wickets against the United States, Arshdeep Singh, being a left-arm pacer, adds variety to the Indian attack. This is the reason why the Hyderabad seamer might make way for Bumrah in the India playing XI vs Namibia. 

Wily bowler Varun Chakravarthy is an obvious choice to lead the Indian spin attack against Namibia. The mystery spinner is one of India's most successful bowlers in recent times, having scalped 41 wickets in 24 T20Is since 2025. 

India's probable playing XI Vs Namibia, match 18, T20 World Cup 2026

Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy