Abhishek Sharma: The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is not even one week old and Team India has lost its most dashing run-getter after complaining of severe abdominal pain during net practice. The absence of Abhishek Sharma casts serious doubts over Team India’s preparations for the upcoming matches against Namibia and arch-rivals Pakistan.
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According to media reports, Sharma was unwell even before India’s opening fixture against USA. He reportedly ran a high body temperature and was administered medical drips. The dashing left-handed opener missed the team practice session at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate remarked Abhishek is likely to be available for the Pakistan game and may miss the Namibia game. Doeschate confirmed that all-rounder Washington Sundar would join the team and remarked that Jasprit Bumrah would be back for the Namibia game on February 12.
Enter Sanju Samson
The Kerala dasher Sanju Samson would return to the opening slot, pairing with Ishan Kishan who has been in top form. Samson who was dropped after a string of low ODI scores in the recent series against South Africa would like to win back his place in the Indian Team.
Samson looked out of form against Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh in the nets. He later received treatment on his left arm that could spell troubles for Team India.
Presently, Team India is at the second position with one win from one game. It enjoys a net run rate of +1.450. Group A is presently led by Pakistan with two wins from two matches and a net run rate of +0.932. The other teams in the Group A include the Netherlands, Namibia and USA.
The top 2 teams would advance to the Super 8 stage but would be placed in different Super 8 groups because of pre-assigned seedings.
