India vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026: Will Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma play?

India secured a 29-run victory against the USA in their opener, but the focus is on the availability of key players Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma.

Abhishek Sharma might be given rest in the Namibia match considering the India vs Pakistan match. Image | ICC

As India gets ready for their second fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026, all eyes are on the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, where the Men in Blue will face Namibia on 12th February 2026. While the hosts secured a hard-fought 29-run victory against the USA in their opener, the talk of the town is about the availability of two key stars, Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma. With the marquee clash against Pakistan looming just days away in Colombo, the team management is now facing a delicate balancing act between maintaining winning momentum and managing player fitness.

How to watch the India vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026 match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs Namibia, T20 World Cup 2026 match on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

Bumrah will be back for India

The biggest sigh of relief for Indian fans comes from the bowling department.

After missing the opening game in Mumbai due to a high fever and viral illness, experienced Jasprit Bumrah will return for the Namibia game.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, batter Tilak Varma confirmed that the pacer has recovered well and was seen bowling at "full tilt" during the team's final practice sessions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on the eve of the match against Namibia.

"He is absolutely fine now. He has been bowling well in the nets and should be back in the team for tomorrow's game," Varma told the media.

With Bumrah returning in the playing XI, it means that Arshdeep Singh or Mohammed Siraj might be rotated out, as coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav will look to give Bumrah crucial match overs before the big game against Pakistan.

Will Abhishek Sharma be ready?

On the other side, the news regarding star opener Abhishek Sharma is less certain.

The ICC No. 1-ranked T20I batter has been battling a severe stomach infection and viral fever. Abhishek’s condition reportedly worsened following the USA match, leading to his hospitalisation in Delhi for two days.

Although Tilak Varma confirmed that he was discharged on Wednesday, he did not participate in the team's final training session.

With the severity of the infection and the fact that he was under medical attention just 48 hours ago, Abhishek Sharma is highly doubtful for the Namibia clash.

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