T20 World Cup 2026: 3 changes India should make for their next match against Namibia

India approach their second T20 World Cup 2026 outing with confidence, though aware that improvements are necessary. There were exposed seams in India's performance, despite the win against the USA in Mumbai, and this was an expected occurrence. In this situation, it showed India's overall depth as well as the ability of players to rebound when under pressure. In any tournament format, teams will have time to develop and adjust as their progression continues, and India will have ample time to make adjustments in combination and roles prior to the tournament intensifying. A team's ability to make adjustments early in the tournament will become critical when that tournament reaches its apex with ever-increasing expectations on that team.  

India's first-game batting collapse almost proved to be the end of their first match; however, Suryakumar Yadav's methodical innings resulted in a stable and respectable total for India, while the bowling strategy was followed perfectly, resulting in India winning by 29 runs, while each bowler also had control in terms of their spells and field placements. This will give India some important lessons, which will help them in terms of being composed, flexible, and balanced as a team in a global tournament. Although their next match against Namibia is in Delhi on February 12, if the team wants to strengthen their position, they could look to make tactical adjustments for that match.

Jasprit Bumrah in place for Mohammed Siraj

The easiest adaptation for India prior to the upcoming match would include the return of Jasprit Bumrah from a health-related absence during the previous game against USA. The management is certain that he will be able to participate during the encounter vs. Namibia, which will also enhance the overall capabilities of the bowling attack to have him back in action. Whereas Mohammed Siraj delivered a decent performance against the USA by bowling a reasonable number of overs with three wickets, he may relinquish his position in order to return to India’s first-choice bowling attack. Bumrah boasts remarkable statistics from his T20 international career with 107 wickets in 87 T20I matches at a superb economy rate of 6.55 — testament to his exceptional and positional excellence.

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In addition, Bumrah paired with Arshdeep Singh returns what has been India’s most reliable fast-bowlers in the T20I format. Although the capabilities shown by Siraj with the new ball are impressive, Bumrah provides an advantage being a versatile bowler throughout all phases of a match, but particularly at the very end of an extremely intense match. The ability to change pace, deliver yorkers, and remain calm under stress are among the attributes that qualify him to be a vital participant in international competitions. This proposed adjustment to the structure of India’s bowling attack reflects attempts to balance the existing tactical structure as opposed to a poor assessment of Siraj’s individual performance, but rather as part of a framework that has been the basis of India’s most successful T20I campaigns on different continents/different conditions around the world.

Batting Order to be set right

India’s batting lineup appeared slightly unsettled against the USA, particularly through the middle overs where role clarity seemed blurred. Deploying Shivam Dube at No. 5 and Rinku Singh at No. 6 disrupted the natural tempo of the innings. On surfaces that demand patience and calculated strokeplay, a defined structure becomes essential to manage collapses effectively. Clearer responsibilities would allow batters to pace their innings with intent rather than reacting under pressure. Establishing stability in the middle phase could prevent sudden slowdowns or impulsive shot selection.

Positioning Hardik Pandya at No. 5 would introduce experience and composure during testing passages, enabling him to anchor if early wickets tumble. Rinku Singh could then return to his specialist finisher’s role at No. 7, maximising his impact in the closing overs. Shivam Dube, meanwhile, can be used flexibly depending on spin matchups and game context. This configuration restores balance, strengthens decision-making in pressure moments, and provides India’s middle order with clearer direction and tactical cohesion.

Using Hardik Pandya with new ball in tandem with Arshdeep Singh

A further adjustment could involve a strategic reshuffle with the new ball. With Jasprit Bumrah back in the mix, India have the option of restoring their preferred combination of Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya to begin the innings. Pandya has proven effective in the powerplay, using seam movement and extra bounce to trouble batters early. Deploying him upfront not only increases wicket-taking opportunities but also eases immediate pressure on Bumrah, ensuring India maintain multiple attacking options through the opening six overs.

Holding Bumrah back to deliver the sixth over could maximise his impact across different phases of the innings. This allows India to preserve their premier pacer for pivotal moments while extracting greater value from Pandya’s new-ball strengths. Rather than being a reactive tweak, the move represents a calculated redistribution of resources. By spreading responsibility and maintaining flexibility, India can enhance control in the powerplay while keeping their most potent weapon primed for decisive passages of play.