Delhi (The COW News Digital)Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus has voiced strong concerns ahead of his team’s T20 World Cup clash against India, stating that his side was not provided an opportunity to train under floodlights before the crucial night fixture.
Speaking ahead of the match scheduled for 6:30 PM in Delhi, Erasmus said the game’s evening timing made it essential for his players to prepare under similar lighting conditions. However, according to the skipper, Namibia was not granted a night training session at the venue.
“Our match against India is scheduled at night, so naturally we wanted to practice under floodlights,” Erasmus said. “Unfortunately, we were not given that opportunity, and that puts us at a disadvantage.”
He explained that Namibia’s domestic cricket infrastructure offers limited exposure to floodlit facilities, making such practice sessions even more important for player adjustment. “Back home, we do not have many grounds equipped with floodlights. From an infrastructure point of view, this makes preparation more challenging for us,” he added.
Erasmus acknowledged that a handful of Namibian players have gained experience in night matches through participation in leagues such as the Nepal Premier League, ILT20, and previous global tournaments. However, he stressed that the majority of the squad lacks regular exposure to training and competing under lights.
The captain also pointed out that India had reportedly been allotted two night training sessions before the fixture, while Canada was scheduled to train under lights as well. “We were not given a practice session before facing India, and I am not sure why,” he remarked, expressing disappointment over the situation.
Despite the concerns, Erasmus maintained that his team would approach the contest with confidence and determination. He emphasized that Namibia remains focused on delivering a competitive performance regardless of the circumstances.
“We will prepare in our own way and step onto the field fully ready to compete,” he said. “We are here to give our best.”
The match between India and Namibia is expected to draw significant attention, with India entering as favorites. However, Namibia will be eager to challenge the hosts and make a strong statement on the global stage despite the preparatory hurdles.
