New Delhi, Feb 12: Defending champions India face Namibia today in Match 18 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. While India seeks to maintain its unbeaten streak in Group A, the focus has shifted to the medical room following a late injury scare for opener Ishan Kishan.

Ishan Kishan Injury: Will He Play Today?

During the final practice session on Wednesday, February 11, Ishan Kishan was struck on the foot by a searing yorker from Jasprit Bumrah. The wicketkeeper-batter was seen in visible pain and required immediate attention from the team physio.

Latest Update: Despite the initial scare, team sources indicate that Kishan resumed batting shortly after treatment. He is highly likely to feature in the starting XI today. However, if any discomfort persists during warm-ups, Sanju Samson is ready to take over the gloves and the opening slot.

Team News: Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah

India’s lineup faces further uncertainty due to illness:

• Abhishek Sharma: The world’s top-ranked T20I batter was hospitalized with a stomach bug earlier this week. Although discharged, he remains a major doubt. The management may rest him to ensure he is 100% fit for the high-stakes clash against Pakistan on February 15.

• Jasprit Bumrah: After missing the opener against the USA due to viral fever, the pace spearhead is fully fit and expected to lead the attack today.

• Sanju Samson: Poised for a World Cup debut, Samson will likely open alongside Kishan if Abhishek is rested.

Match Details: India vs Namibia

Pitch Report & Weather Forecast

The Arun Jaitley Stadium is traditionally a “batter’s paradise.” With short boundaries (60-65m) and a lightning-fast outfield, fans can expect a high-scoring encounter.

• Pitch: Flat and dry, favoring stroke-play. Spinners may find some grip as the match progresses.

• Weather: Clear skies with temperatures around 20-25°C. Humidity is low, and there is a 0% chance of rain.

Predicted Playing XIs

India:

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

Namibia:

Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Ruben Trumpelmann, Dylan Leicher, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo.

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