Team India have kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with back-to-back wins over the USA and Namibia. The defending champions will next face arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo.
Ahead of the high-pressure Group A clash, legendary Sunil Gavaskar expressed concern over Samson's form, especially with Abhishek Sharma's availability doubtful.
Notably, Abhishek missed the groups-stage fixture against Namibia on February 12 in Delhi as he continues to recover from the stomach infection.
In Abhishek's absence, Samson was given a chance to open alongside Ishan Kishan but failed to convert his 8-ball 22 into a big score. Kishan, on the other end, slammed 24-ball 61 to set the platform for a huge total.
Hardik Pandya then hit a blistering 28-ball 52 and added 81 runs for the fifth wicket with Shivam Dube (23) to take the team past 200. India then lost four wickets for 1 run before finishing on 209/9 in 20 overs.
In reply, Namibia’s innings folded for 116 in 18.2 overs, with Varun Chakaravarthy (3-7), Hardik (2-21) and Axar Patel (2-20) doing the bulk of the game. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube returned with one scalp each.
After the game, Gavaskar was critical of Samson’s dismissal against Namibia. The wicketkeeper-batter was caught out at deep mid-wicket while attempting a flick shot off a slower ball from Ben Shikongo.
"The way Sanju Samson got out... he has gotten out in that area in the past too. Clearly that is something that will make the management a little bit nervous, because in case Abhishek is not fit for the game on Sunday, then Samson will play. Hopefully he will have kept all the runs for that game - all the runs he didn't get against New Zealand and even today, he will be expected to get in that particular match," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
"Apart from that, it was a very good performance. The way Ishan Kishan batted, and Hardik's performance was great too," he added.
Suryakumar Yadav was an elated captain after India recorded their biggest ever T20 World Cup victory by a margin of 93 runs against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
"I think pretty good game for everyone. I think it was not an easy wicket to bat on, but the way Ishan, Sanju started, it didn't look like it was a difficult wicket. And then the partnership between Shivam and Hardik, the way they batted after losing two-three quick wickets, I think it was very commendable," Surya said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
With this win, India jumped back to top of Group A table, leaving the skipper happy with how things are going.
“Absolutely. I mean, every game is important. And yeah, we did start a little scratchy, but then I think we are on the road,” Surya remarked.
