India vs Namibia Playing XI – T20 World Cup 2026 Match 18 Predicted Lineups

India will take on Namibia in Match No. 18 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, in an important Group-stage encounter. While India will start as clear favourites given their depth and firepower, Namibia will look to punch above their weight and aim to challenge the defending champions.

The Delhi surface is expected to be good for batting early on, with spinners likely to get assistance as the game progresses. Both sides are expected to back their core combinations heading into this fixture. 

Also check: T20 World Cup 2026 Group D Match: Predicting Afghanistan vs South Africa Playing XI  

Here are the Predicted India vs Namibia Playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2026 Match 18

Predicted India Playing XI

Top Order: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma

India are likely to open with Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, with Abhishek Sharma reportedly struggling with stomach illness. Samson brings attacking intent in the powerplay, while Kishan’s left-handed aggression can put bowlers under immediate pressure. Tilak Varma at No.3 provides balance, capable of stabilising the innings or accelerating depending on the match situation.

Middle Order: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh

Captain Suryakumar Yadav remains India’s key batter in the middle overs. His ability to find gaps and clear boundaries makes him the main man of the batting unit. Hardik Pandya offers power and finishing ability, along with seam bowling options if required. Rinku Singh, known for his calmness under pressure, strengthens India’s death-overs capabilities.

All-round Options: Shivam Dube, Axar Patel

Shivam Dube provides muscle against spin and can contribute with medium pace. Axar Patel adds control with his left-arm spin and extends the batting depth, a valuable asset on a pitch that may assist slower bowlers later in the innings.

Bowling Attack: Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

Jasprit Bumrah will return to the squad and will lead the pace attack with his precision in both the powerplay and death overs. Arshdeep Singh complements him with left-arm variation. Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin could be particularly effective in Delhi conditions, especially against batters looking to force the pace.

India’s Predicted Playing XI:

Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.

Predicted Namibia Playing XI

Top Order: Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger

Namibia are expected to stick with Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp at the top. Frylinck’s experience and ability to counter seam movement will be crucial against India’s new-ball attack. Malan Kruger at No.3 will be tasked with consolidating the innings if early wickets fall.

Middle Order: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, JJ Smit

Captain Gerhard Erasmus remains Namibia’s most important batter. His ability to anchor and accelerate makes him central to their plans. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton provides stability and versatility, while JJ Smit adds balance as a seam-bowling all-rounder capable of finishing strongly. 

Lower Order and Bowling Unit: Zane Green (wk), Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo, Willem Myburgh

Zane Green handles wicketkeeping duties and offers depth with the bat. Ruben Trumpelmann will spearhead the pace attack and could be key in the powerplay with swing and discipline. Bernard Scholtz’s left-arm spin may play a vital role on a Delhi surface that could offer grip. Max Heingo and Willem Myburgh round out a bowling unit that will rely on tight lines and variations to contain India’s explosive batting.

Namibia’s Predicted Playing XI:

Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo, Willem Myburgh.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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