T20 World Cup 2026: 'They were overconfident against USA' - Former cricketer makes stunning claim ahead India vs Namibia clash

Ahead of India’s crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Namibia, former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath has made a startling comment regarding India’s approach in their opening fixture against USA, suggesting that the defending champions may have been a bit overconfident.

Badrinath, reflecting on India’s showing in the group-stage encounter, claimed that the Men in Blue might have approached the game with an undue sense of confidence, something that could prove costly as the tournament moves into its more decisive phase.

"They just escaped against the USA because of a Suryakumar Yadav show. There is a very thin line between self-belief and overconfidence. India were overconfident in the match against the USA. They played careless cricket initially to become 77/6," claimed the former Tamil Nadu batter on his YouTube channel.

India stumbled early against the USA before their captain Suryakumar Yadav played a crucial knock to steer the hosts to a 29-run victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. While the result went India’s way, it was a spirited show by the visitors against the no. 1 T20I side, as they were struggling at 77/6 at one point during their innings.

Indian bowlers, though, had a brilliant outing at the Wankhede Stadium, as they restricted USA from chasing a fairly modest target. Mohammad Siraj, who was making his return to the T20I set-up, had a brilliant outing as he claimed three wickets, while Arshadeep Singh and Axar Patel took two each. 

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‘Sanju Samson will certainly play’ - Aakash Chopra on Abhishek Sharma's replacement

The No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma might miss the clash against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on February 12, as he is dealing with a stomach issue.

Expressing his views up on who could replace Abhishek in the playing XI, Chopra said:

"Abhishek Sharma has a slight problem. It's being said that he had a fever in the last match as well, had a stomach problem, but he played. No one is sitting outside. He didn't come for the practice session.

"Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan batted as a pair. They are still waiting on Abhishek Sharma's fitness, but no one knows thus far whether he will play or not. If he doesn't play, Sanju Samson will certainly play."

Sanju Samson was dropped from India’s playing XI against the USA, as Ishan Kishan took his spot. Now, if Abhishek misses out against Namibia, Samson will open alongside Kishan.