Team India will be locking horns against Namibia in their second game of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 without their star opener Abhishek Sharma.
The left-handed batsman has been sidelined due to a stomach issue. He played in the previous match against USA and was out for a first-ball duck. Later, he did not take the field as India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that the batter was recovering from a stomach bug.
According to reports, the problem began on February 6 when he ate something in Mumbai following a net session. He suffered an upset stomach and his condition only worsened on the following day when India faced USA. While Abhishek Sharma decided to play the game, he could not make any impact with the bat.
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He also traveled with the team to New Delhi for the match against Namibia but his condition deteriorated further. He suffered drastic weight loss due to dehydration and fluid loss before being admitted to Ganga Ram
hospital in New Delhi.
Abhishek Sharma to miss Pakistan clash?
While Abhishek Sharma was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, it looks like he will be spending few more days on the sidelines. It was expected that he would be fully fit for the match against Pakistan but it looks doubtful now.
Speaking at toss ahead of the clash against Namibia, India captain Suryakumar Yadav delivered a worrying update on Abhishek Sharma, saying that the opener is set to miss a game or two. With India to face Pakistan next on February 15, Abhishek is in a race against time to be fit for the huge clash.
“We were looking to bat first. Very happy with it. As long as we are losing the toss and winning the game, we are fine with it. Dew is going to be a big factor, but when you go out and defend totals, it gives you confidence. Abhishek is still not fine, he will miss a game or two. Sanju comes in, similar batter, explosive. Bumrah comes in for Siraj,” said Suryakumar.
India’s playing XI for Namibia clash:
India have made two changes to the playing eleven that played against USA. With Abhishek Sharma sidelined, Sanju Samson has returned to the team. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah has replaced Mohammed Siraj.
India Playing XI:
Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
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