Erasmus Questions Night Practice Before India Clash

The build-up to Namibia’s clash with India has not been smooth. On the eve of their showdown at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, captain Gerhard Erasmus aired his frustration.

Namibia, he said, was not granted a night session under lights. India, according to him, had two. That detail lingered in the air.

Practice Under Lights Becomes Talking Point

Namibia played a day fixture against the Netherlands on Monday. Training was conducted in daylight, which is routine. But this contest falls at night, and for a squad with limited exposure to floodlit cricket, the adjustment is not minor.

Erasmus did not mask his irritation. He noted that Canada was seen training under lights despite having an afternoon game scheduled later in the week. “Make of that what you will,” he remarked, choosing his words carefully.

For Namibia, this is not about convenience. Back home, proper floodlit venues are scarce. Players rarely get the rhythm of tracking the white ball under glare. Shadows shift, and the depth perception changes. You could sense the edge in his tone, no doubt about it.

ICC Responds

The International Cricket Council stated that training schedules were circulated on January 27. Adjustments were entertained where possible, but Namibia’s request, officials said, arrived too late to be accommodated.

The explanation stands. Yet the optics have stirred conversation around the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

That one moment flipped everything. What should have been routine preparation now carries an undercurrent.

Namibia began their campaign with a defeat to the Netherlands. The points table already looks tight. Now, the margin for error feels thinner.

India enter as defending champions. Conditions, familiarity, crowd support. All in their favour.

Still, Erasmus insists his side will “rock up and fight.” It sounds simple.

In tournaments like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, small details shape outcomes. A training slot. A session missed. A captain speaking his mind.

Tonight in Delhi, it’s India vs Namibia under the lights they had asked for. Namibia will have to adjust on the fly. Expect them to fight for every inch.