Team India will face Namibia in its second match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 without its star opener Abhishek Sharma.
The left-handed batsman has been dropped from the team due to stomach problem. He played the last match against USA and was out for zero on the very first ball. Later, he did not take the field as India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that the batsman was recovering from a stomach ailment.
According to reports, the problem started on February 6 when he ate something after a net session in Mumbai. His stomach got upset and his condition got worse the next day when India faced America. While Abhishek Sharma decided to play, he could not make any impact with the bat.
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He also went to New Delhi with the team for the match against Namibia but his condition worsened. Before being admitted to Ganga Ram, he had lost a lot of weight due to dehydration and lack of fluids.
Hospital in New Delhi.
Abhishek Sharma will not play for Pakistan?
While Abhishek Sharma was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, it looks like he will spend a few more days out of the hospital. It was expected that he would be fully fit for the match against Pakistan but now it looks doubtful.
Speaking at the toss ahead of the clash against Namibia, India captain Suryakumar Yadav gave a worrying update on Abhishek Sharma, saying that the opener will miss a game or two. India’s next match is against Pakistan on February 15, so Abhishek is working hard to get fit for this big match.
“We were looking to bat first. Very happy with that. As long as we are losing the toss and winning the game, we have no problem with it. Dew is going to be a big factor, but when you go out and defend the total, it gives you confidence. Abhishek is still not well, he will miss a game or two. Sanju comes in, similar batsman, explosive. Bumrah comes in for Siraj,” Suryakumar said.
India’s playing XI for Namibia match:
India has made two changes in the playing eleven against America. Sanju Samson has returned to the team due to Abhishek Sharma’s exclusion. At the same time, Jasprit Bumrah has replaced Mohammad Siraj.
India’s playing XI:
Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Jasprit Bumrah.
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