IND Vs NAM, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Sanju Samson’s Timely Return Boost for India Amid Abhishek Sharma's Uncertainty

IND Vs NAM, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Sanju Samson scored a brisk 22 runs off just 8 balls in his return against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on February 12, 2026

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ICC T20 WC 2026: IND vs NAM-Sanju Samson
India's Sanju Samson during a practice session ahead of an ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Namibia, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Salman Ali
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Summary

Summary of this article

  • Sanju Samson could play against Pakistan if Abhishek Sharma fails to recover

  • Samson scored 22 runs off 8 balls against Namibia in Delhi

  • Abhishek Sharma is still recovering stomach issues

Sanju Samson played his first-ever World Cup match against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and straight away showered his impact by smashing 22 runs off just 8 balls with 3 sixes and a boundary.

However, his innings was cut short when he flicked a ball straight into the hands of the deep mid-wicket fielder, leaving his fans wanting more.

Samson has been struggling with form from the past few matches, which is why he was replaced by Ishan Kishan in the playing XI in the first match against the USA but he again got back into the team after Abhishek Sharma was ruled out of the fixture against Namibia due to stomach issues.

Abhishek Sharma Doubtful For Pakistan Clash

Abhishek Sharma, who has been India's most explosive batter in the past year is currently missing World Cup matches due to stomach illness. The World No.1 T20I batter was even hospitalized in a hospital in Delhi and was released just on the eve of the match.

While the fans were expecting the dashing southpaw opener to be fit for the marquee match against Pakistan, India skipper Suryakumar dropped a bombshell in the toss, leaving the Indian fans worried.

While confirming Sanju Samson's inclusion in the match against Namibia. Suryakumar Yadav hinted at the possible unavailability of Abhishek Sharma for the next match against Pakistan.

While speaking at the toss, Suryakumar Yadav said, "Abhishek is still not fine, he will miss a game or two. Sanju comes in, similar batter, explosive. Bumrah comes in for Siraj"

If Abhishek Sharma misses the clash against Pakistan, then Sanju Samson will again open with Ishan Kishan. While it'll be a big loss for India, Sanju Samson's today's small yet dominating innings would have provided some respite for the Indian fans.

Get the Latest Cricket News, today's match Live Cricket Scores, Match Results, and upcoming cricket series & schedule at Outlook India. To follow our special coverage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 News updates, T20 World Cup Schedule, T20 world cup teams' Squad, T20 World Cup 2026 points table, and Stats - most runs & wickets of T20 World Cup 2026.

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