Not Sanju Samson! Abhishek Sharma's replacement in Playing XI named ahead of IND vs PAK clash

Former Team India captain Kris Srikkanth shared a bold view ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and Namibia. Srikkanth said that he would promote all-rounder Washington Sundar as an opener if Abhishek Sharma is unavailable, even though Sanju Samson is the designated backup.

Abhishek was hospitalized with a stomach infection ahead of the match against Namibia in Delhi on February 12. The left-handed batter played against the USA but was dismissed for a golden duck and did not take the field. He left a team dinner at head coach Gautam Gambhir’s residence earlier than others.

I Will Bring Washington Sundar - Kris Srikkanth on Abhishek Sharma Replacement

Speaking on Cheeky Cheeka, Kris Srikkanth said that he would ask Washington Sundar to open the innings ahead of Sanju Samson. He added that the move would help Sundar gain match sharpness, and if Abhishek returns for the Pakistan game, Sundar could drop down the order.

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“If I was the captain, I would have had a different thought process. Sanju is totally out of form. I will bring Washington Sundar in and make him open. I want him to be fit and playing the match against Pakistan," Srikkanth said.

If Abhishek comes back for the Pakistan game, I will push Sundar to eight and remove Rinku Singh. My thinking is out of the box here. Samson has been given a fair run and he has not done anything. It is just to give Sundar the feel of a match,” he added.

Only Good Thing Is Sanju Samson May Get an Opportunity - Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth also said that Abhishek Sharma's absence from the Namibia match would hurt India, as the opener needs game time to regain his rhythm ahead of the Pakistan clash. Srikkanth added that Sanju Samson must make full use of the opportunity if he gets a chance.

“Abhishek Sharma playing against Namibia and getting back rhythm is very important. The momentum in cricket is very important," Srikkanth stated.

"So him not playing will be a very big loss. Only good thing is Sanju may get an opportunity. We have to see if he can capitalise or not. He has to capitalise on this chance, there is no other choice,” he added.

Abhishek Sharma’s Absence Could Open the Door for Sanju Samson

Abhishek Sharma has been India’s best T20I batter over the last two years. He has scored 1297 runs in 39 matches at an average of 36.02 and a strike rate of over 194, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.

If Abhishek misses the Delhi match, Sanju Samson is expected to open the innings alongside Ishan Kishan. Jasprit Bumrah returned to training on February 10 after missing the USA match due to illness, while Washington Sundar has also recovered from his side strain and rejoined the squad.

After the Namibia clash in Delhi, India will travel to Sri Lanka to face Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo. They will then return home for their final Group A match against the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad.

India are currently second in Group A and can move back to the top of the table with a win over Namibia in the upcoming match.

Also read: Shreyas Iyer IN for India vs Pakistan clash? 3 backup batters on standby amid injury crisis