IND vs NAM: Why is Abhishek Sharma not playing tonight's clash in T20 World Cup 2026?

Abhishek Sharma featured in India’s previous clash against the USA in the T20 World Cup 2026.

India are set to face Namibia in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday, February 12, at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Both teams have been placed in Group A of the tournament.

While India won their previous clash against the USA by 29 runs, Namibia lost to the Netherlands by seven wickets. Hence, Suryakumar Yadav & Co. aim for a second straight victory while Namibia look for their first-ever win in the campaign, as well as against India.

In the lone clash between both sides in the 2021 World Cup, India won by nine wickets. Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus won the toss and decided to bowl first in the match.

At the toss, Suryakumar Yadav revealed that India have made a big change in their playing XI. Notably, opener Abhishek Sharma was not part of India in the encounter.

“We were looking to bat first. Very happy with it. As long as we are losing the toss and winning the game, we are fine with it. Dew is going to be a big factor, but when you go out and defend totals, it gives you confidence. Abhishek is still not fine, he will miss a game or two. Sanju comes in, similar batter, explosive. Bumrah comes in for Siraj,” Suryakumar Yadav said.

Abhishek Sharma ruled out of the IND vs NAM match

Notably, the left-handed batter featured in the last match against the USA. He got out for a golden duck in the encounter and failed to make a mark with the bat. In the second innings, he did not take the field due to a stomach issue.

Moreover, he was also admitted to a hospital in New Delhi due to a stomach infection. He also missed the training sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday at Arun Jaitley Stadium and was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

Although he has regained his fitness, the management has rested him to avoid any risk to his health. Sanju Samson was inducted as an opener in Abhishek’s absence.

India’s playing XI vs Namibia: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Namibia’s playing XI vs India: Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus(c), JJ Smit, Zane Green(w), Ruben Trumpelmann, Malan Kruger, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, Max Heingo.

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