3 players who could replace Abhishek Sharma if he is ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

The explosive T20 opener and ICC No.1 ranked batter Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised ahead of Namibia clash.

The Indian Cricket Team has been hit by an unexpected health scare midway through the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with star opener Abhishek Sharma hospitalised due to a stomach infection. Reports suggest that the left-handed batter was already feeling unwell before India’s previous group-stage encounter against the USA, but his condition worsened after the match.

Abhishek was running a high temperature, required medical drips for immediate relief, and subsequently missed the team’s practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. With crucial fixtures against Namibia, Pakistan and the Netherlands coming up, Abhishek’s availability remains under a cloud. If the medical team decides to rest him to avoid further complications, the selectors may be forced to look at replacements.

Here are three players who could potentially replace Abhishek Sharma if he is ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2026.

3 players who could replace Abhishek Sharma if he is ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

3. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer might not have been a regular name in India’s T20I plans recently, but his credentials make him a strong contender. The 2024 IPL-winning captain last featured in a T20I in December 2023, after which he slipped out of the selectors’ immediate radar in the shortest format.

However, Iyer brings calmness, leadership, and proven big-match temperament—qualities that can be invaluable in a high-pressure World Cup scenario. He was also part of the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year as a replacement for Tilak Varma, showing that he remains in the wider selection mix. If India opts for stability and experience in the middle order, Iyer could be a surprise but sensible inclusion.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal

In the list of replacements is Yashasvi Jaiswal, arguably the most natural replacement for Abhishek Sharma. Like Abhishek, Jaiswal is a left-handed aggressive opener capable of taking the game away in the powerplay.

Although he hasn’t played a T20I since Gautam Gambhir’s first series as India head coach in 2024 against Sri Lanka, his numbers speak volumes. In just 23 T20Is, Jaiswal has scored 723 runs at a staggering strike rate of 164.31, including a memorable century. His fearless approach, ability to dominate bowlers, and familiarity with high-pressure environments make him a strong contender to slot straight into the playing XI.

1. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill’s absence from India’s T20 World Cup squad raised eyebrows, especially after he served as vice-captain of the T20I side before the tournament. The selectors chose to move in a different direction, appointing a new vice-captain and leaving Gill out entirely.

If Abhishek Sharma is ruled out, Gill could be recalled as a versatile batting option. While he is best known as a top-order batter, Gill began his T20 career in the middle order and has shown adaptability across positions. Since his T20 debut in 2018, Gill has amassed 5,412 runs in 175 T20 matches, underlining his consistency and class. His technique and temperament could add solidity to India’s batting lineup.

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