Abhishek Sharma Out, Jasprit Bumrah In! Big update on star players' fitness ahead of IND vs NAM T20 World Cup 2026 clash
Abhishek Sharma failed to make a mark in India’s opening game against the USA.
After crushing the USA in their opening game, India are gearing up for their next clash against Namibia in the T20 World Cup 2026. India defeated the USA by 29 runs at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday and currently grab the top spot in the Group A points table.
In the previous clash, India missed the services of pacer Jasprit Bumrah due to illness. Mohammed Siraj was added to the playing XI in his absence. Also, Abhishek Sharma could not take the field in the second innings after batting in the first innings. Later, it was revealed that Sharma suffered issues with his stomach.
Washington Sundar was not with the team in the last match as he was recovering from a side strain and rib muscle tear he sustained in the ODI series against New Zealand last month.
Abhishek Sharma misses the training session, and Bumrah returns to bowling
Notably, the Indian team reached Delhi on Sunday ahead of their next clash against Namibia. They had a rest day on Monday and enjoyed a team dinner at the residence of the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, in Delhi.
On Tuesday, the Suryakumar Yadav & Co. started their training session at Arun Jaitley Stadium. However, Abhishek missed the training session as he continues to recover from his stomach issue. Bumrah returned to bowling after 10 days, while Sundar also joined the squad for the training session.
“Bumrah hasn’t bowled for 10 days, will bowl today. Abhishek still has an upset stomach.” He also confirmed that all-rounder Washington Sundar has joined the team and will bowl in the nets,” India’s assistant coach Ryan Doeschate informed in a press conference.
Notably, Bumrah and Sundar’s return will be a big boost for the Indian Cricket Team. Bumrah is the most crucial pacer for India in the T20 World Cup and will lead the team’s pace attack in the crucial clash against Pakistan on February 15.
The management would want him to play against Namibia to get prepared ahead of the Pakistan game. Similar is the case with Sundar, as he has been out of the field for over a month.
On the other hand, Sharma might be rested if he fails to recover in the upcoming two days. In his absence, Sanju Samson will be the only choice left in the opening slot with Ishan Kishan.
However, this could become a major threat as the two have never opened together in T20Is. Also, Samson has struggled with his form since the start of this year.
When will the IND vs NAM game take place?
The IND vs NAM match will take place on February 12 at Arun Jailtey Stadium in Delhi.
What is the status of Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, and Washington Sundar’s fitness?
Jasprit Bumrah has recovered from his illness, while Sundar has recovered from his injury. However, Abhishek Sharma is still battling with his stomach issue.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.