India head coach Gautam Gambhir opened his Delhi residence to the team for a special dinner on Sunday as the defending champions prepare for their crucial T20 World Cup match against Namibia.
Videos shared by ANI showed Gambhir arriving at his house followed by batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and other members of the support staff. Even the Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, made an appearance.
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Gambhir tradition
This is not the first time that Gambhir has extended such hospitality to the Indian team. During their last visit to the national capital, the head coach organized a similar meeting when India faced the West Indies in the second Test. The gesture reflects Gambhir’s determination to build team unity and create a family atmosphere in the team as they go through the pressures of the World Cup campaign.
Bounce back from a shaky start
India head into the Namibia match after a tough fight 29-run victory over the United States in Mumbai. Despite a stunning top-order collapse that left them reeling at 77 for six, skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s superb unbeaten 84 off 49 balls rescued the defending champions and secured victory.
Suryakumar’s innings was a masterclass in crisis management at his home ground, the Wankhede Stadium. His knock featured 10 fours and four sixes as he almost single-handedly dragged India to 161 for nine after they were precariously placed at 128 for seven after 18 overs.
Siraj will perform in Bumrah’s absence
Mohammed Siraj who joined the team late on Friday night as a replacement for the indisposed Jasprit Bumrah, he immediately struck with the ball. He played with Test match discipline and took three wickets for 29 runs in four overs. His early strikes reduced the USA to 13 for three in the fourth game, effectively ending their chase before it could gain momentum.
South Africa-born Shadley van Schalkwyk had earlier tormented India’s illustrious batting line-up with figures of four wickets in just 25 overs. Only Suryakumar seemed able to read the height of the Wankhede in two strides as wickets fell around him.
Eyes on Namibia
With the match against the USA behind them, India now turn their attention to Namibia where a win would significantly strengthen their position in the race for the Super 8s. The team dinner at Gambhir’s residence serves as the perfect opportunity to mentally reset, iron out the batting woes from the opening match and set the pace for their second encounter in the group stage.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 8, 2026
