IND vs NAM: Predicted India playing xi for match 18 of T20 World Cup 2026

The Men-in-Blue have started their T20 World Cup 2026 with a significant victory over the United States of America (USA). The Indian team defeated the USA by 29 runs. Now, the Indian team is set to be ready to face Namibia in their 2nd group stage match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on February 12. In this match, India might enter with a couple of changes. Abhishek Sharma is likely to miss the match due to an infection in the stomach and fever. He is currently hospitalised. If Abhishek Sharma does not recover on time, Sanju Samson will play the match instead of Abhishek.  

While the other probable change is that Jasprit Bumrah will also be included in the playing XI and replace Mohammed Siraj. Siraj got a call for the World Cup when Harshit Rana was ruled out of the entire tournament due to injury. Siraj took 3 wickets against the USA. After Namibia, India's next match is against Pakistan, and in such a situation, India would like to strengthen its preparations for that match.

In this case, management would consider including Kuldeep Yadav in the India playing XI. Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium is regarded as a spin-friendly ground. But it will be fascinating to watch whether the management gives a chance to Kuldeep against Namibia or not. 

Sanju Samson might be seen opening the innings with Ishan Kishan against Namibia. After this, Tilak Verma will bat at No. 3, and Suryakumar Yadav will bat at No. 4. The responsibility of Nos. 5, 6, and 7 will be on the shoulders of Shivam Dubey, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh. At No. 8, vice-captain Axar Patel will bat. He will also handle the spin bowling in the team. Varun Chakravarthy is almost certain to play, who is currently the No. 1 bowler in the T20I rankings. Whereas Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah will be the two fast bowlers. If Team India considers including Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI, then Arshdeep Singh may have to miss the match. If Kuldeep Yadav plays, then Hardik Pandya will feature with the new ball. It will be very interesting to see with which combination Team India will enter for the next match.

Predicted India playing XI against Namibia

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