Will Abhishek Sharma play IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 clash?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Abhishek Sharma missed India’s clash against Namibia.
Defending champions India played their second match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Namibia in Delhi. After a modest performance with the bat in the opener against USA, the hosts began with a flurry of boundaries, thanks to their new opening duo of Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson.
Samson, was replacing the World No. 1 T20I batter, Abhishek Sharma. India’s gun left-handed opener missed the match due to sickness. It was reported that he played the USA encounter despite having fever, and was later admitted at a hospital.
This is unfortunate news for Sharma, who came into the competition as the world’s most feared batter. Missing games at the start could affect his form once he is fit and returns to action.
Will Abhishek Sharma play IND vs PAK clash in T20 World Cup 2026?
India’s blockbuster contest against arch rivals Pakistan is scheduled for February 15, at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Suryakumar Yadav’s statement that Abhishek could miss a game or two, puts his appearance for the all-important contest in jeopardy. The stakes will be high against Pakistan, and India would ideally want a fully fit Sharma ready for the battle.
“Abhishek is still not fine, he will miss a game or two. Sanju comes in, similar batter, explosive. Bumrah comes in for Siraj”, said captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss.
But, after the game against Namibia concluded, Varun Chakravarthy also shared take on Abhishek’s availability for IND vs PAK clash. He said that the batter had a practice session ahead of Namibia clash and looks good for next game.
“I think he will play the next match, I don’t know. As far as I have spoken to him, he looks good and did some practice today also. He told that he’s on the way,” said Chakravarthy.
However, the team would be wary of rushing Sharma back. With qualification for the Super Eight likely secured by beating the remaining associate sides, even in the unlikely event of a loss to Pakistan, India would prefer to preserve Sharma’s availability for the business end of the tournament.
Should Sharma miss the clash, Sanju Samson will get yet another chance to prove his mettle. Samson in his debut T20 World Cup match hammered a quick-fire 22 off 8 against Namibia.
Why did Abhishek Sharma miss the India vs Namibia match?
He was unwell with fever and a stomach infection, played the USA match despite illness, and was later hospitalised, forcing him to miss the Namibia game.
Will Abhishek Sharma be fit for the India vs Pakistan match?
His availability is uncertain, as the captain indicated he could miss a game or two, with recovery being prioritised over rushing him back.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
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.