Team India may have to make a forced change in their next T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against Namibia on February 12 as Abhishek Sharma missed the team’s training session on Tuesday evening.
The defending champion and the co-host of the tournament, India, are gearing up for their next encounter. The team management rested the whole team on Monday as the team arrived in Delhi on Sunday. The absence of Sharma quickly became a major talking point among the Indian cricket fans.
Coach informed about Abhishek Sharma’s current situation
“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.
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate in the press conference at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
“Washington Sundar has joined team, will bowl today; so will Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah hasn’t bowled for 10 days, Abhishek still has illness. pic.twitter.com/9gesz3ZUuM
— IANS (@ians_india) February 10, 2026
Sharma was a part of India’s opening fixture of the tournament against the United States, where he was dismissed for a golden duck. The southpaw played a lofted cut shot, which went straight into the arm of the fielder at deep cover.
During the match, it was reported that the opener had an upset stomach. In the second innings, when Team India went to defend their total, Abhishek Sharma remained absent in the field.
Abhishek Sharma to miss India’s next T20 World Cup 2026 match?
On Tuesday, assistant coach of the team, Ryan ten Doeschate, informed that the batter is yet to gain his full fitness. When the team walked onto the field for the training season, it was noted that Abhishek was not with the squad.
If the batter remains unwell and the team management wants to protect their resources ahead of their crucial match against Pakistan, then there will be high chances to see the batter on the sideline during the India vs Namibia match.
Samson is there as the backup opener
For the first match of the tournament, the Men in Blue brigade selected Ishan Kishan to pair up with Sharma to open the innings. India, as per expectations, defeated the United States, but their batting performance was not up to the mark.
The key batters, Ishan Kishan, Sharma, and Tilak Varma, all had a bad day. Thanks to the skipper Suryakumar Yadav for playing the blistering 84-run knock, for which the home team was able to win the contest by 29 runs.
In case Abhishek Sharma remains unavailable for the next match, then Sanju Samson is in the ranks to fulfill the opening spot. Samson proved to be a major flop during the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand, as he was dismissed cheaply in all of the matches.
Because of the off form of Sanju Samson, the team management promoted Ishan Kishan to the opening position to create a bond with Sharma.
Read More: Washington Sundar joins team, India coach delivers huge update on Jasprit Bumrah
