Team India will play Washington and not Sanju in place of Abhishek, understand the reason behind this

The Indian team started its campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 with a win. However, after playing the first match, the team’s strong opener Abhishek Sharma had to be admitted to the hospital due to stomach infection. He was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, but it is not certain that he will play against Namibia. Abhishek can be rested in this match.

Jasprit Bumrah, who was unavailable in Team India’s T20 World Cup opener, has become completely fit. Washington Sundar has also started practicing after recovering from the injury suffered during the white ball series against New Zealand. He was seen trying his hand at bowling and batting without any problem at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. It is believed that against Namibia he can be played in place of Abhishek.

Also read: ‘India is being run by 4 Gujaratis’ Shahid Afridi spits venom before IND vs PAK match

Why not Sanju instead of Abhishek?

Sanju Samson is the first choice option to replace opener Abhishek but the team management may give a chance to Washington keeping in mind the match against Pakistan on February 15. The high-voltage match against Pakistan is to be held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where the spinners will dominate. Team India will need Washington there. Before this big match, the Indian team management would like to give game time to this off-spin all-rounder.

Also read: Why did Namibia get angry before the match against India? Questions raised on ICC’s decision

Sanju-Washington both can’t play together?

If the Indian team fields Washington in place of Abhishek against Namibia, then it will be important to see who will open with Ishan Kishan. Can Washington be the second opening batsman? This is likely because he has batted in the top order for Gujarat Titans in IPL. If Sanju is made to open and the team management tries to give game time to Sundar also, then Rinku Singh can be kept out.