The India vs Namibia Probable Playing 11 is the talking point in Delhi as the defending champions look to extend their 9-match T20 World Cup winning streak. While India arrives on the back of a hard-fought win over the USA, the camp has been hit by a “stomach bug” crisis. Star opener Abhishek Sharma was recently hospitalized with a gastric infection and is almost certain to miss tomorrow’s clash. However, the “Men in Blue” receive a massive boost with the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the opener due to viral fever. Facing a Namibia side desperate for redemption after a loss to the Netherlands, India’s depth will be tested at the high-scoring Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Pre-Match Pitch Report & Toss Factor
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. Toss Insight: History at the Kotla suggests a “Bat First” advantage in afternoon games, but for this 7:00 PM IST start, the Dew Factor will be the deciding variable. Pitch Report (Cricbuzz Expert View): The surface is expected to be a “skiddy” paradise for batters. Unlike the uneven bounce seen in Mumbai, Delhi offers true pace and short square boundaries (65m). Spinners like Bernard Scholtz and Axar Patel will find grip in the first 10 overs, but once the dew sets in, chasing 180+ becomes a realistic possibility.
India vs Namibia Probable Playing 11
India
Ishan Kishan (WK)
Sanju Samson (Replacing the ill Abhishek Sharma)
Tilak Varma
Suryakumar Yadav (C)
Hardik Pandya
Shivam Dube
Rinku Singh
Axar Patel
Jasprit Bumrah (Replacing Arshdeep Singh or Siraj)
Mohammed Siraj
Varun Chakravarthy
Namibia
Louren Steenkamp
Jan Frylinck
Gerhard Erasmus (C)
JJ Smit
Zane Green (WK)
David Wiese
Malan Kruger
Ruben Trumpelmann
Bernard Scholtz
Tangeni Lungameni
Ben Shikongo
Top 8 Players to Watch Out For
1. Suryakumar Yadav (India) - The Captain & Anchor
Recent Form: Scored a match-winning 84* against the USA in the opener.
Stats insight: SKY currently averages over 48 in T20Is as captain and thrives on the true bounce of the Delhi pitch.
Role: Expect him to dominate the middle overs against Namibia’s left-arm spin.
2. Jasprit Bumrah (India) - The Returning Spearhead
Condition: Returns to the XI after missing the first match due to fever.
Record: Bumrah’s toe-crushing yorkers in the Delhi nets on Wednesday reportedly left Ishan Kishan in pain, proving he’s back at full throttle.
Role: His 4 overs are the most critical “bank” for India to restrict Namibia under 140.
3. Bernard Scholtz (Namibia) - The Associate Ace
Recent Form: The standout bowler in Namibia’s loss to the Netherlands, showing immense control.
Record: Currently Namibia’s most reliable T20I bowler with 79 wickets at an average of 19.80.
Role: His slow left-arm orthodox will be tested against India’s right-hand heavy middle order.
4. Varun Chakravarthy (India) - The Mystery Element
Recent Form: Coming off a stellar domestic season and currently ranked #1 in some T20 bowling charts.
Pitch Record: The Kotla pitch has historically gripped for mystery spinners under lights.
Role: Namibia’s middle order has struggled against high-quality spin; Chakravarthy could be the man for a 3-wicket haul.
5. Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia) - The Tactical Leader
Recent Form: Leading from the front, Erasmus has a knack for scoring “tough runs” (over 1300 T20I runs).
Stats insight: He often bowls himself in the powerplay, recently picking up 2 wickets in a warm-up against India A.
Role: He is the glue that holds Namibia together; India will target his wicket early.
6. Hardik Pandya (India) - The All-Round Finisher
Recent Form: Crucial contributions with both bat and ball in high-pressure games.
Record: Just 2 wickets away from a major milestone of 100 T20I wickets.
Role: His ability to provide 4 overs of heavy-ball pace and finish the innings with the bat makes him indispensable.
7. Ruben Trumpelmann (Namibia) - The Powerplay Threat
Recent Form: Known for his “Peach” deliveries (famously clean-bowling Buttler in 2024).
Record: Left-arm pace has traditionally troubled Indian openers early in the innings.
Role: If there is any early swing in Delhi, Trumpelmann is the most likely to cause an upset in the first 6 overs.
8. Sanju Samson (India) - The High-Stakes Replacement
Opportunity: Expected to replace the ill Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order.
Stats insight: Samson has a massive strike rate of 155+ at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in IPL history.
Role: This is a “make or break” match for Samson to solidify his spot as a permanent T20I opener.
Check out related news:
