Team India's troubles appear to be mounting just hours before their second match against Namibia in the T20 World Cup 2026. Reports suggest that India may be without both their openers, Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, for this match. This has increased the captain and team management's concerns and raised several questions about the playing XI.

According to reports, Abhishek Sharma suffered a stomach problem, which required hospitalization. Although he has been discharged, he is unlikely to be match-fit. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan suffered a toe injury while batting in the nets on Wednesday evening. The team management may decide to rest both players depending on their fitness. However, amidst this difficulty, the reassuring news is that Sanju Samson's return to the playing XI is almost certain.

The biggest question now is who will open alongside Samson? If both regular openers are out, Washington Sundar could be given the responsibility of opening. Sundar has batted in the top order before and can form a good right-left combination. However, it remains to be seen whether Sundar is ready for the match, as he is also recovering from injury. This match will be a special one for Samson, as he will be looking to solidify his place in the team with a big innings.

This match is also seen as an opportunity for experimentation for India. Namibia is considered a weak team in this match, and Team India will want to improve their preparations before the big match against Pakistan. On the other hand, Namibia's difficulties are further compounded by the fact that the team has not yet played a match under floodlights and did not even get a chance to practice at night before this match.

For Namibia, this match will be more of a learning opportunity than a victory. They will certainly try to give India a tough fight, but the match will not be easy. India won its first match against the United States, while Namibia lost to the Netherlands.

India's probable playing 11: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan/Washington Sundar, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah.