The defending champions, India, are set to continue their campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.
Indian batters practise big hits
India’s batters, after their batting debacle against the USA, shifted their focus towards rediscovering their power-hitting touch ahead of the Namibia clash. Over the last two days in the nets, the top order worked extensively on freeing their shoulders and regaining their six-hitting rhythm after relatively restrained outings earlier in the tournament.
Hardik Pandya was seen launching towering shots into the stands, while Sanju Samson, who is expected to replace the sick Abhishek Sharma in the playing 11, impressed with his ability to clear the ropes square of the wicket during practice sessions.
Stats and form support India’s bid
India will be excited to play at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, a wicket that has been known for favouring batters. India, in their last six T20I games, have crossed the 200-run mark four times and the 250-run mark once. On top of that, they have a deep batting line-up that has the ability to keep the run rate up at any given stage of the innings with clean hits.
The Indian top order, consisting of the likes of Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, along with the middle order consisting of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, all have at least one half-century with over a 200 strike rate to their name, clearly showcasing India’s intent to go big in the shortest format. If two or three of the above-mentioned players get going against Namibia, the Men in Blue can get past the 300-run mark with ease.
Roadblocks in mission 300
India do not have everything going in their favour ahead of the Thursday game. It is evident with all the matches played in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 so far having been more or less in favour of bowlers. Even in the last game played at the venue between Namibia and the Netherlands, it was a 150s game, which means if the wicket follows the new pattern instead of its historically accurate behaviour, it will be tough for India to cross the 300-run mark.
On top of that, India also need to bat first in the game. If they win the toss and opt to bowl first, or are invited to bowl first by Namibia, they are unlikely to cross the 300-run mark.
Abhishek’s absence can be a game changer
India are likely to play the game without their most successful T20 batter since 2024, Abhishek Sharma. In recent times, Sharma has been key to India’s fiery starts in the powerplay. While his expected replacement, Sanju Samson, was seen in good touch with the bat in the nets, he has been out of runs since 2025. Without their hard-hitting opener, India might just go for a constructive start, which can prove a game changer in their bid for 300 runs in a T20I innings.
