T20 World Cup 2026: 3 India players who may be rested vs Namibia

2. Axar Patel 

Axar Patel is another player India could consider resting for the Namibia game, keeping long-term fitness in mind. The all-rounder picked up a worrying left index finger injury during the first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur, just weeks before the T20 World Cup. Axar returned for the final T20I of the series in Thiruvananthapuram and bagged a three-wicket haul.

He also featured in the South Africa warm-up fixture and the USA game. However, workload management is crucial to ensure the injury is not aggravated at this stage of the tournament. Resting Axar would also open the door for Washington Sundar, who is returning from a side strain of his own. Sundar’s inclusion allows India to manage Axar’s fitness without compromising balance.