Overview:
India are already without Harshit Rana, who was ruled out of the World Cup after picking up a knee injury in the warm-up game against South Africa.
In another setback for India, Ishan Kishan was injured after being hit by Jasprit Bumrah’s toe-crushing yorker. According to Sahil Malhotra, the wicket-keeper batter was in pain after he took the blow in the practice session ahead of India’s second ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match against Namibia on February 12. If he is ruled out of the contest, India would be without the two designated openers for the global tournament.
Abhishek Sharma is already doubtful for the game after being hospitalised due to a stomach infection. Sanju Samson, who was dropped from the playing XI, was seen spending extra time in the nets. He is the reserve opener in the side, and with Kishan also down, the team management would have to find a makeshift opening batter who can open the innings with Samson if Kishan fails to recover.
Ishan has been in sensational form since being recalled to the T20I team for the five-match series against New Zealand. After his magnificent performance in domestic cricket and the failure of Shubman Gill, the selection panel decided to add him to the national team. He justified their trust by scoring consistently against the Kiwis, with a hundred coming in the fifth and final contest.
There is no official update on Kishan’s fitness concern, but his presence is needed, considering India’s match against Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo.
India are already without Harshit Rana, who was ruled out of the World Cup after picking up a knee injury in the warm-up game against South Africa. He was replaced by Mohammed Siraj, who took three wickets in the campaign opener against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium.