Varun Chakravarthy provides HUGE update on Abhishek Sharma's availability for IND vs PAK match in T20 World Cup 2026
Abhishek Sharma missed India’s clash against Namibia.
India continued their title defense at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Sent in to bat first after losing the toss, the Men in Blue posted a formidable 209/6 in their 20 overs, led by half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya.
Kishan smashed a quickfire 61 off just 24 balls, while Pandya scored 52 off 28 deliveries. However, the middle order faltered again, with Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Rinku struggling to accelerate, raising concerns ahead of India’s highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
In reply, Namibia were bundled out for just 116 in 18.2 overs. Leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy stole the spotlight with a brilliant spell of 3/7 in just two overs. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya chipped in with two wickets each to complete a dominant display of bowling for the host nation.
Varun provides a promising update on Abhishek’s availability
Despite the victory, concerns linger over star batter Abhishek Sharma’s availability for India’s match against Pakistan on Feb 15. India‘s best batter in the 20-over format missed the clash against Namibia due to sickness.
Sharma played the opening match against the USA despite being unwell and was later admitted to the hospital.
Given his incredible run of form leading to this competition, India would be sweating over his fitness ahead of the marquee clash. However, leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy gave a glimpse of hope to Indian fans in his post-match press conference.
“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.
Before the start of the match, though, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav claimed that Sharma “is still not fine” and added that he could miss a game or two.
Hence, all eyes will now be on Abhishek’s availability for the Sunday encounter, as the World No. 1 T20I batter finds himself in a race against time to be match-fit.
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, but Varun Chakravarthy feels he will be back.
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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.