Abhishek Sharma remains doubtful for India’s next T20 World Cup 2026 fixture on February 12. A day before the match, Tilak Varma provided some major updates on Sharma.
Varma informed that Abhishek Sharma went to the hospital for the examinations. He was discharged today on February 11. Though, it is not clear whether the opener will play the February 12th match against Namibia. In case he is unable to play the match, Sanju Samson can be named as his replacement in the playing XI.
Why there is uncertainty over Abhishek Sharma?
During the India vs USA match, it was reported that Sharma informed the team management about an upset stomach, and the weather also might have had some effect on his health. Since then, he has been out of the field.
Yesterday it was also noticed that Abhishek Sharma was not present in the practice session, which was arranged under the floodlights in Delhi. India will face Namibia for their next group match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium at 7.00 PM IST. India will walk into the field after gaining a crucial victory in their opening match of the tournament against the United States.
In this match, Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck. Later, it was reported that the batter was unwell, and he did not come out to take the field in the second innings as well. Since then, he has been struggling with an upset stomach, as per claims.
Updates from the assistant coach
Ahead of the second group match, Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also spoke about the uncertainty over Sharma. “Abhi (Abhishek Sharma) has still got a few issues with his tummy, but we are hopeful he will be available for the game in two days’ time,” Doeschate said in his press conference.
If Abhishek remains unfit for the India vs Namibia match, then it will be a major setback for the defending champion side, as the southpaw has a major role behind their recent dominance in the format.
Sanju Samson to play the next game?
The emerging cricketer has been performing well since India’s successful Asia Cup 2025 campaign. He went on to score a ton of runs against New Zealand during the 5-match T20I bilateral series as well.
If Abhishek Sharma is not able to play the upcoming game, then Sanju Samson can get back into the combination again. This time, he can pair up with Ishan Kishan. Samson was the first-choice opener during the New Zealand series along with Sharma. Due to a lack of runs, he lost his place in the playing eleven to Ishan Kishan.
It is important for the team to keep their prime players fresh, as India’s third group match will be against their arch rival Pakistan. For this particular match, the management will try to select the best possible combination, and Sharma is among the best candidates who deserves to be in the game.
