Tension gripped India’s camp as Ishan Kishan, the team’s batting firecracker, nursed a toe injury from a Jasprit Bumrah yorker in practice ahead of the T20 World Cup Namibia clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Thursday blockbuster now carries extra intrigue.
Kishan, whose recent 20 against USA capped a hot streak from New Zealand duties, was first in the optional session. Barely underway, Bumrah’s venomous ball crashed into his left toe. Pain etched his face as physio and Morne Morkel tended to him, stripping off pad and shoe.
Defiant, he tested his footing barefoot, limping but insisting it was minor. Five minutes on, geared up again, he faced balls awkwardly before withdrawing to the dressing room alongside a staffer—perhaps prioritizing recovery or clearing space for Sanju Samson.
Abhishek Sharma, out of hospital after stomach woes and discharged Wednesday, adds depth questions. If unfit, Samson slots in seamlessly. India rides momentum from a 29-run USA win on February 7, with Pakistan (Feb 15) and Netherlands (Feb 18) ahead.
This nets mishap tests India’s depth in their title defense. Kishan’s form is irreplaceable, blending aggression and stability. Updates suggest he’ll likely play, but the scare reminds of tournament fragility. Defending champs gear up, determined to turn practice pain into match gain.