India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match: India’s explosive opening batter Abhishek Sharma remains doubtful for Sunday’s high-profile T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan in Colombo after missing Group A match against Namibia due to illness. According to reports, the 24-year-old left-handed batter fell ill on the eve of India’s tournament opener against the United States in Mumbai and was hospitalized in New Delhi for two days with a high fever and acute gastroenteritis. He was discharged Wednesday but did not train with the team ahead of India’s match against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday.
Speaking at the toss against Namibia, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said, “Abhishek isn’t fine still, might take one or two games,” signalling that the batter could miss another match. In his absence, Sanju Samson opened alongside Ishan Kishan and scored 22 off eight balls with three sixes.
However, spinner Varun Chakravarthy offered a positive update on Sharma after the match. “I think he will play the next match; I don’t know. But as far as I’ve spoken to him, he looks good and did some practice today also,” Chakravarthy said, fueling speculation about Sharma’s inclusion against Pakistan on Sunday in Colombo.
Sharma himself appeared in a video shared by teammate Arshdeep Singh, giving fans a glimpse of his recovery. He said he had lost 2 kilograms since being hospitalised and is following a strict diet of dal and rice. While the batter is undergoing light practice, the team management is expected to closely monitor his readiness, particularly his stamina and match fitness, ahead of the high-profile fixture.
If Abhishek is unable to play, India is expected to continue with Sanju Samson in the opening slot alongside Ishan Kishan. His participation will be crucial, given his strong record against Pakistan in T20 internationals, where he has scored 110 runs at a strike rate of 189 in three previous encounters. His final participation may be confirmed after a full training session in Colombo.
India and Pakistan will meet on Sunday in a crucial Group A match as both sides aim to secure a place in the next stage of the T20 World Cup.
India vs Namibia Match Highlights, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
