T20 World Cup | Tilak Varma gives an update on Abhishek’s fitness and mindset during rehab
On-field umpire Rod Tucker immediately called it a dead ball, much to the visible surprise and disapproval of the Namibian captain.Earlier in the day, Namibia won the toss and elected to bowl first as India made two changes to their playing eleven. Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson and spearhead Jasprit Bumrah returned to the side for the defending champions in place of Abhishek Sharma and Mohammed Siraj.India came into the competition after surviving a major scare from the USA in the opening tournament, eventually winning by 29 runs at the Wankhede Stadium. Namibia, on the other hand, tried to bounce back after a seven-goal defeat to the Netherlands.Explaining the team combination, India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Samson and Bumrah, who missed the previous match due to illness, are fit to return. However, Abhishek was still recovering after being hospitalized in New Delhi with a stomach infection.“We wanted to bat first. We’re very happy with that. As long as we lose the pitch and win the game, we’re fine with that. It’s a big tournament and this dew will be a big factor.”“But when you bat first and go out and defend, I think it gives you a lot of confidence. It’s a very good wicket. Hopefully the batsmen will go out and enjoy it. Abhishek is still not well; he’ll miss a game or two. Sanju is coming, batter-like, explosive,” Suryakumar said at the toss.Namibia also rang the bell in two changes with Malan Kruger and Ben Shikongo replacing Dylan Leicher and William Myburgh. Their captain repeated similar thoughts about the surface. “It’s a very good flat cricket surface, surface-wise and dew-wise it’s the right thing to do. It’s about sharpening our skills. It looks like a good wicket, try to chase it in the second half. That’s why we play cricket to have fun,” he said.According to a course report by Ian Smith and Nick Knight, the number six course at the venue was expected to play flat under the lights, offer even bounce and good carry. Dew was expected to play a role later in the evening, with boundary dimensions ranging from 59 to 73 metres, including a longer offside boundary for right-handers from the Willingdon End.