IND vs NAM Toss Update, T20 World Cup 2026: India vs Namibia Playing 11, Captain's Quotes, Pitch Report

IND vs NAM Toss, Playing 11 Update for T20 World Cup 2026: Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus opted to bowl first after winning the toss against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12, 2025 (Thursday).

After winning the toss, Gerhard Erasmus said: We are going to have a bowl. We think tt is a very, very good flat cricketing surface, from a statistics and dew point of view it is the right thing to do. It is about tightening our skillset. Looks like a good wicket, try and chase it in the second half. That's why we do it, that's why we play cricket, to entertain. We have two changes - we are bringing in Shikongo coming in and an extra batter in Kruger.

Meanwhile India captain Suryakumar Yadav said: We were looking to bat first. Very happy with it. As long as we are losing the toss and winning the game, we are fine with it. It's a big tournament and this dew is going to be a big factor, but when you bat first and go out and defend, I think it gives you a lot of confidence. It's a very good wicket. Hopefully, batters go out, enjoy themselves. Abhishek is still not fine, he will miss a game or two. Sanju comes in, similar batter, explosive. Bumrah comes in for Siraj.

IND vs NAM Playing XIs

India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Namibia (Playing XI): Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus(c), JJ Smit, Zane Green(w), Ruben Trumpelmann, Malan Kruger, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, Max Heingo.

IND vs NAM Pitch Report

The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi appears batting-friendly with a flat surface and a light sheen, suggesting the ball should come onto the bat nicely. The straight boundary stands around 73 metres, while one side is slightly longer and the square boundaries are relatively shorter, making innovative shots like scoops and ramps effective. Although a previous day game at the venue showed some grip and turn due to early moisture, tonight's surface is expected to offer consistent pace with limited bounce. A few visible cracks are present but are unlikely to impact play. Dew could play a role later in the evening, potentially influencing bowling conditions and the toss decision.

IND vs NAM Squads

India Squad: Ishan Kishan(w), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar.

Namibia Squad: Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus(c), JJ Smit, Zane Green(w), Ruben Trumpelmann, Dylan Leicher, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo, Malan Kruger, Ben Shikongo, Jack Brassell, Jan Balt.