India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma is facing an uphill battle to recover in time for the crucial T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan on February 15, 2026, after being sidelined for the game against Namibia due to a stomach infection. The 24-year-old was admitted to a hospital in Delhi after experiencing high fever and severe stomach pain, leaving him unable to take the field for India’s second match of the tournament. Although Abhishek was discharged shortly after, his fitness remains a concern, and he did not train with the team ahead of the Pakistan game.
His absence created a significant void, and Sanju Samson was promoted to open alongside Ishan Kishan in Abhishek’s place. Samson made an immediate impact by scoring a quick-fire 22 runs off 8 deliveries, but like many of the Indian batters, he failed to build on his promising start. Nonetheless, India managed a dominant 93-run victory over Namibia, with contributions from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya, who both scored half-centuries, taking India to a total of 209/4 in their allotted overs.
However, despite the victory, several batters struggled to maintain the momentum, and concerns have emerged ahead of the highly anticipated encounter with Pakistan. Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh all failed to score significantly, and the team management will be hoping for a much-improved batting performance against Pakistan.
On the bowling front, Varun Chakravarthy was the standout performer, claiming three wickets in two overs while conceding just seven runs. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya also chipped in with two wickets each, helping India restrict Namibia to 116/9 in their reply.
Despite the positive result, the uncertainty surrounding Abhishek Sharma’s availability looms large, especially as India prepares for the high-voltage clash against Pakistan. The opener’s absence has led to speculation about whether he will be fit enough to take part in the match against Pakistan in Colombo. Following his hospital release, Abhishek’s condition has shown some improvement, but his full recovery remains uncertain.
Speaking to the media after the Namibia game, Varun Chakravarthy offered an optimistic update on Abhishek’s recovery. He mentioned that he had spoken with the opener, and although Abhishek was still feeling a bit weak, he had participated in some light practice. “He looks good, and he did some practice today. He told me he is on the way,” Varun said. However, with Abhishek still recovering from a severe stomach infection, it is unclear whether he will be fully fit to play against Pakistan.
According to sources, Abhishek has experienced some weight loss due to the illness, and recovery from such infections typically takes time. In his absence, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav had hinted at the possibility of Abhishek missing a game or two before regaining full fitness. “Abhishek isn’t fine still, might take one or two games,” Suryakumar said, providing a clear indication that the opener’s participation in the match against Pakistan was far from guaranteed.
With Pakistan posing a formidable challenge in the group stage, the absence of Abhishek would be a major setback for India. Sharma, known for his powerful strokeplay and consistency at the top of the order, is an integral part of the Indian batting lineup. His absence could force the team to make last-minute adjustments, as they already have the task of tackling a dangerous Pakistan side. The battle for Super 8 qualification is heating up, and every match is crucial for the Indian team.
India’s net practice sessions in Colombo will be a deciding factor in Abhishek’s fitness. Sources say that if he is able to bat for a long duration and show the same level of energy and stamina he normally does during routine nets, he could be deemed fit to play. Abhishek’s typical practice routine involves long stints at the nets, where he bats for 75 to 90 minutes in a three-hour session. His performance in these sessions will be a key indicator of his readiness for the match against Pakistan.
Given the high stakes of the Pakistan match, Abhishek’s fitness will be closely monitored in the coming days. If he is unable to regain full fitness in time, India may have to rely on the likes of Sanju Samson or Rinku Singh to take his place at the top of the order. Despite the challenges, the Indian team remains focused on their ultimate goal of securing a spot in the Super 8 stage.
As India heads to Colombo for the clash against Pakistan, the team is hoping to not only put up a solid performance but also welcome back Abhishek Sharma if he is deemed fit. With the World Cup’s competitive nature and the rivalry between India and Pakistan, every player’s fitness and form will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. India’s preparation and tactical approach will be key as they look to continue their winning momentum in the tournament.
