Former Team India captain Kris Srikkanth shared a bold thought ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and Namibia. Srikkanth said he would promote all-rounder Washington Sundar as the opening batsman if Abhishek Sharma is unavailable, even if Sanju Samson is the designated backup.
Abhishek was hospitalized with a stomach infection on February 12 before the match against Namibia in Delhi. The left-handed batsman played against USA but was out for a golden duck and did not take the field. He left the team dinner at head coach Gautam Gambhir’s residence earlier than others.
I will bring Washington Sundar in place of Abhishek Sharma – Kris Srikkanth
Speaking on Cheeky Cheeka, Kris Srikkanth said that he will ask Washington Sundar to open the innings before Sanju Samson. He said that this move will help Sundar gain an edge in the match and if Abhishek makes a comeback in the match against Pakistan, Sundar may have to move down the order.
Srikkanth said, “If I was the captain, my thinking would have been different. Sanju is completely out of form. I will bring Washington Sundar and make him open. I want him to be fit and play the match against Pakistan.”
If Abhishek comes back for the Pakistan game, I would push Sundar to eight and drop Rinku Singh. My thinking is out of scope here. Samson has been given a fair chance and he has done nothing. This is just to give Sundar a feel for the match.
| Washington Sundar – T20I Career Stats | ||||||||||||
| Duration | mat | it goes | HS | bat average | 100s | wickets | B.B.I | bowl average | 5w | whistle | scheduled tribe | average difference |
| 2017–2025 | 58 | 254 | 50 | 16.93 | 0 | 51 | 03-March | 22.76 | 0 | 21 | 0 | -5.83 |
The only good thing is that Sanju Samson may get a chance – Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth also said that Abhishek Sharma’s absence from the Namibia match will hurt India, as the opener needs game time to find his rhythm before the clash against Pakistan. Srikanth said that if Sanju Samson gets a chance then he should take full advantage of the opportunity.
“It is very important for Abhishek Sharma to play against Namibia and get the momentum back. Pace is very important in cricket,” Srikkanth said.
He said, “So his not playing will be a big loss. The good thing is that Sanju may get a chance. We will have to see whether he can take advantage of it or not. He will have to take advantage of this opportunity, there is no option other than this.”
Abhishek Sharma’s absence could open doors for Sanju Samson
Abhishek Sharma has been India’s best T20I batsman in the last two years. He has scored 1297 runs in 39 matches at an average of 36.02 and a strike rate of over 194, which includes two centuries and eight half-centuries.
If Abhishek is unable to play in the Delhi match, then Sanju Samson is expected to open the innings along with Ishan Kishan. Jasprit Bumrah returned to training on February 10 after missing the USA match due to illness, while Washington Sundar has also recovered from his side strain and rejoined the squad.
After the Namibia clash in Delhi, India will travel to Sri Lanka to face Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. They will then return home for their final Group A match against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18.
India are currently second in Group A and can go back to the top of the table with a win over Namibia in the upcoming match.
Also read: Shreyas Iyer included for India vs Pakistan match? 3 backup batsmen on standby amid injury crisis