T20 World Cup 2026: Siraj or Bumrah? Former wicketkeeper gives verdict on India's likely Playing XI versus Namibia

Published - 12 Feb 2026, 12:58 IST | Updated - 12 Feb 2026, 13:22 IST

Former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel believes that Mohammed Siraj will have to make way for ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah in India's upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match against Namibia in New Delhi. Notably, Bumrah had missed the opener against the USA owing to a fever, while Siraj had shone the brightest for the Indians in defending the 162-run target.

Parthiv is of the opinion that Siraj got the opportunity only because Bumrah was not keeping well. Hence, now that Bumrah is fit and fine, the Hyderabad-born, despite delivering a match-winning spell of 3/29 in his four overs at the Wankhede Stadium, will unfortunately have to vacate his spot for the incoming senior pacer.

“Bumrah walks in place of Mohammed Siraj. Siraj had a good game, but India’s main playing eleven had Jasprit Bumrah in it. It is good that Siraj got an opportunity and did really well. If something happens to any of India’s seamers, which we certainly do not wish for, Mohammed Siraj will be ready. However, he will make way for Jasprit Bumrah if Bumrah is fit," Parthiv said via JioStar's Game Plan show.

The former India wicketkeeper-batter further shed light on vice-captain Axar Patel’s ability to arrest collapses and finisher Rinku Singh potentially playing that role. Parthiv believes that Rinku, because of his better prowess with the bat, must come to the middle ahead of someone like Axar or even pinch-hitter Shivam Dube.

“Yes, Axar has rightly played the role of stabilising the innings for India in white-ball cricket. But for me, if three wickets fall early or a similar situation arises again in this World Cup, I would prefer Rinku Singh to come in ahead of Shivam Dube and Axar Patel. He is someone who can rotate the strike well, take his time, and then unleash himself,” Parthiv opined.

The Men in Blue will enter the contest against Namibia on Thursday in a night fixture at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. A win in this encounter will solidify the hosts' position on the points table, where they are competing in Group A of the twenty-team tournament. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will want to continue the winning momentum.