T20 World Cup 2026: Why are Abhishek Sharma and Mohammad Siraj not playing today in IND vs NAM Match 18?

Hosts and defending champions India are ready for their second match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where they are facing Namibia in the Group A fixture at Delhi on Thursday night (February 12). For this match, opener Abhishek Sharma and the right-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj have been benched. Here, we know the reason for these crucial playing XI changes.

At toss, Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that they made two crucial changes in the playing XI. Opener Sanju Samson and the right-arm fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah have replaced Abhishek Sharma and Mohammad Siraj for the latest playing XI.

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group A - IND vs NAM: Toss Update and Playing XI

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group A - IND vs NAM: Why Abhishek Sharma is not playing today?

Abhishek Sharma is already in the news for his recent stomach infection. He was reportedly discharged from a private hospital on Wednesday (February 11). It was very much expected that Sharma would be unavailable for the Namibia match on Thursday evening. The Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav also confirmed at the toss that the opener wasn't fine and further added that Sharma could miss one or two matches. So, Sharma is still doubtful for the upcoming big Sunday (February 15) match against arch-rivals Pakistan in Colombo. 

As the replacement, Sanju Samson's appearance is also very much expected, who is now ready for his first T20 World Cup match. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group A - IND vs NAM: Why Mohammad Siraj is not playing today?

Meanwhile, the Indian right-arm fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah missed the last game due to a viral infection. Now, Bumrah is fit as he has made his comeback to the team, while Mohammed Siraj has to leave the place for the main Indian pacer. Siraj made his T20I comeback after more than 18 months, while he just joined the team for the tournament as the replacement of injured Harshit Rana.