After a gritty start to their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in Mumbai, the Indian cricket team has touched down in New Delhi. Fresh off a hard-fought victory against the USA, the Men in Blue are gearing up for their next challenge: a clash against Namibia this Thursday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
While the mood in the camp is positive, the venue itself holds a bittersweet history for the hosts. The Arun Jaitley Stadium hasn’t always been a fortress for India. In the four T20 Internationals played here, the record sits evenly balanced, two wins and two losses.
Fans will remember the dominant 86-run victory over Bangladesh in October 2024, which is the most recent memory at this ground. However, the ghosts of the past still linger. The stadium witnessed a tough seven-wicket loss to South Africa in June 2022 and a similar defeat to Bangladesh back in 2019.
As Captain Suryakumar Yadav prepares his troops, there are some off-field concerns to manage. Opener Abhishek Sharma is reportedly down with a stomach infection, which might open the door for Sanju Samson to step in. On the brighter side, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is looking fit and ready to return to the squad, adding much-needed firepower to the bowling attack.
With a 50-50 record at this historic Arun Jaitley Stadium, Thursday’s match isn't just about points; it’s about turning Delhi into a true winning stronghold for India.
