Will Abhishek Sharma play tonight for IND vs NAM in T20 World Cup 2026?
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Abhishek Sharma was India’s most explosive batter leading into the T20 World Cup.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign continues with their second Group A fixture against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi. After a nervy 29-run win over the USA in Mumbai on February 7 where India’s big names departed quickly, it was a captain’s knock from Suryakumar Yadav that helped his team post a respectable total.
The defending champions will be keen to deliver a commanding display and assert their authority in the tournament. Jasprit Bumrah is set to return after missing the opener through illness, strengthening the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya.
With the spin-duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel proving to make life difficult for the opponent batters, India will look to tick all boxes against Namibia in Delhi.
After a seven-wicket defeat to the Netherlands, Namibia will hope to spring a surprise, as they face an in-form Indian side, who could possibly be missing the services of some of their renowned players.
Will Abhishek Sharma play India vs Namibia clash in T20 World Cup 2026?
Abhishek Sharma remains doubtful and is likely to miss the IND vs NAM clash. The No. 1 ranked T20I batter was hospitalised in Delhi with a severe stomach infection, accompanied by high fever and dehydration leading to weight loss.
He played the USA game despite feeling unwell and was dismissed for a golden duck, and later skipped fielding and team handshakes. His condition worsened after arriving in Delhi, as he missed training sessions at Arun Jaitley Stadium and underwent tests.
Teammate Tilak Varma provided the latest update on February 11: “Abhishek has been discharged today… We have got one more day for the game, so hopefully we’ll decide by tomorrow how he feels.”
Reports indicate the priority is his recovery for bigger games, mainly the blockbuster contest against Pakistan on Sunday, instead of risking him against Namibia.
If Abhishek remains unfit, Sanju Samson, who spent long hours in the nets ahead of the Namibia clash, is expected to open alongside Ishan Kishan. While Abhishek’s absence would be a setback given his recent T20I form, it offers Samson a golden opportunity to reassert his credentials at the international level.
Will Abhishek Sharma play against Namibia?
Abhishek Sharma remains doubtful after being hospitalised with a severe stomach infection, and team management is prioritising his recovery for bigger matches.
Who will replace Abhishek Sharma if he is ruled out?
If unfit, Sanju Samson will open the batting alongside Ishan Kishan.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.