Abhishek Sharma hospitalized with stomach infection; likely to miss Namibia clash

Indian dashing opening batter Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 game against Namibia after suffering a stomach infection, making him a doubtful starter for the second group stage clash, scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 12, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Notably, Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck off USA pacer Ali Khan in the first group stage match. Notably, Sanju Samson came out to the field as a substitute in the second innings for Sharma, who had opted not take the field.

Moreover, Abhishek was not present at India's first training session in Delhi on Tuesday, February 10. Speaking at the pre-game press conference, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate isn’t clear about Sharma’s participation in the clash against Namibia.

“Abhi (Abhishek) still has a few issues with his tummy. We are hopeful that he’ll be available for the game in two days’ time,” Ryan told the reporters ahead of the game.

If Abhishek doesn’t make it to the playing XI, Samson is expected to replace him in the opening spot alongside Ishan Kishan. However, Samson failed to create an impact in the recently concluded New Zealand series with his scores reading 10, 6, 0, 24 and 6.

Furthermore, Ryan ten Doeschate is hopeful of Jasprit Bumrah regaining full fitness after he was ruled out of the campaign opener and was replaced by Mohammed Siraj, who scalped three wickets against the USA.

“Booms (Bumrah) will bowl today as well. He's been what, ten days without bowling, but he's feeling a lot better and moving a lot better. So we'll see how training goes today and tomorrow and then put the team together on Friday," he added.

Additionally, Ryan ten Doeschate hinted that Sundar may come in handy in spin-friendly conditions against Namibia in Delhi and against Pakistan in Colombo. Notably, Sundar made it to the squad after regaining full fitness. 

"He does fit into one of our combinations where we can play three spinners. The luxury of having four all-rounders in the squad is that you can change the combination. So there are combinations where he fits into three, or the combination where he replaces one of the spinners. And again, I think more around what we have available for this next game is going to be important,” the assistant coach concluded.

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