Sanju Samson misses out? Ex-cricketer floats left-field Abhishek Sharma replacement
India Today
T20 World Cup 2026: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel suggests promoting Washington Sundar as opener in Abhishek Sharma's absence for India's February 12 match against Namibia. Sanju Samson, however, is likely to partner Ishan Kishan at the top.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has suggested a left-field option for the opener’s slot in Abhishek Sharma’s absence for India’s Group A match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Namibia on Thursday.
India are facing a forced reshuffle at the top of the order. Abhishek is set to miss Thursday’s clash due to illness, and the team management are likely to recall Sanju Samson to partner Ishan Kishan at the top.
However, Parthiv believes India could take a calculated risk by promoting Washington Sundar to open, particularly with an eye on Sunday’s marquee clash against Pakistan in Colombo. The former stumper argued that giving Sundar time in the middle could prove valuable if India opt to field three spinners in spin-friendly conditions.
“When you are thinking about preparing your playing XI for Colombo, where the ball will turn and stop a bit, why not try opening with Washington Sundar instead of bringing in Sanju Samson?” Parthiv said on Star Sports.
“If Abhishek does not recover in time for the Pakistan match, you will already have an attacking opener who also gives you a spin option. That could be useful against Pakistan.”
So far, India have deployed Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy in a two-pronged spin attack. But with Sri Lankan pitches offering considerable assistance to slow bowlers, India may be tempted to bolster their spin resources. Complicating matters is the tight turnaround: the team will have only two days — including a travel day — to acclimatise to conditions at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
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