‘Sanju Samson hasn’t done anything’: Srikkanth proposes out-of-the-box fix for Abhishek Sharma absence in Namibia clash

By Admin

12 Feb, 2026

India’s team combination debate has intensified ahead of the Namibia clash, especially with uncertainty surrounding Abhishek Sharma’s availability. Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has come up with an unconventional suggestion that has sparked discussion among fans and experts alike.

Rather than opting for a straightforward replacement, Srikkanth has proposed a bold reshuffle in India’s batting order   one that could redefine the team’s strategy ahead of the high-voltage encounter against Pakistan in Colombo.

With Abhishek Sharma recovering after being hospitalised due to viral fever and a stomach infection, the team management may avoid risking him in the Namibia game. Although Abhishek has been discharged and is on the road to recovery, India’s next fixture against arch-rivals Pakistan makes workload management crucial.

Instead of turning to Sanju Samson, Srikkanth suggested promoting Washington Sundar to open the innings.

“If I was the captain, I would have had a different thought process. Sanju is totally out of form. I will bring Washington Sundar in and make him open. I want him to be fit and playing the match against Pakistan,” Srikkanth said on the show Cheeky Cheeka.

His reasoning is strategic. Sundar is returning from injury and has been declared fit for the Namibia match. Giving him an opportunity at the top would allow him to gain match rhythm before the Pakistan showdown.

A Tactical Plan for the Pakistan Game

Srikkanth didn’t stop there. He outlined a broader tactical shift for the Pakistan encounter in Colombo.

If Abhishek regains full fitness for that game, Srikkanth would push Sundar down to No. 8 and drop Rinku Singh to balance the combination. The idea, he explained, is to ensure Sundar gets valuable match exposure before a high-pressure contest.

“My thinking is out of the box here. Samson has been given a fair run and he has not done anything. It is just to give Sundar the feel of a match,” he added.

This approach reflects a long-term mindset   preparing players for crucial fixtures rather than making reactive changes.

The Importance of Abhishek’s Momentum

Despite proposing Sundar as a temporary opener, Srikkanth emphasized that Abhishek’s return to rhythm is extremely important.

“Abhishek Sharma playing against Namibia and getting back rhythm is very important. The momentum in cricket is very important. So him not playing will be a very big loss,” he said.

Momentum often defines performance in cricket. Missing a match can disrupt timing and confidence   especially for a top-order batter who thrives on flow and aggression.

At the same time, Srikkanth acknowledged that this could be a final opportunity for Samson to prove himself.

“Only good thing is Sanju may get an opportunity. We have to see if he can capitalise or not. He has to capitalise on this chance, there is no other choice.”

A Defining Moment for Team India

India’s clash against Namibia may seem routine on paper, but the team selection could have long-term implications. With Pakistan looming, every strategic decision carries weight.

Srikkanth’s proposal highlights three key themes:

• Backing form over reputation
  
  

• Prioritising rhythm before big matches
  
  

• Thinking beyond conventional roles
  
  

Whether the team management follows his out-of-the-box suggestion remains to be seen. But one thing is certain   the Namibia match is more than just a group-stage fixture; it could shape India’s approach heading into one of cricket’s biggest rivalries.