World No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma missed India’s second Group A fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Namibia in Delhi on Thursday (February 12) due to a stomach bug. However, the 25-year-old left-hander has travelled with the squad to Colombo for the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan.
India, currently ranked No. 1 in T20Is, will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their third Group A match on Sunday (February 15). According to a PTI report, Abhishek’s availability for the high-voltage encounter will depend on how well he recovers over the next 24 hours.
The team is scheduled to have a net session in Colombo on Saturday evening, during which Abhishek’s fitness will be assessed before a final decision is taken on his inclusion in the playing XI.
In his absence against Namibia, Sanju Samson opened the innings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and made a brisk 22 off just 8 balls. He is expected to retain his spot at the top of the order if Abhishek is not declared fit.
There is also the option of promoting Washington Sundar as a makeshift opener, which would provide additional depth to India’s spin-bowling resources. The final call will hinge on Abhishek’s recovery ahead of the marquee India-Pakistan showdown.
