Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav - (Source: X.com)
In a significant development, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that opener Abhishek Sharma is doubtful for upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match against Pakistan on February 15. During the toss for India vs Namibia match, SKY stated that Abhishek will take a game or two to recover from his illness.
Notably, on February 12, the Men in Blue locked horns against Namibia at the Arun Jaitely Stadium. Eyes were on Abhishek Sharma's availability as the southpaw has been suffering from a stomach infection for the past five days. However, during the toss, SKY confirmed that Abhishek will miss the Namibia match as Sanju Samson has replaced the southpaw.
Suryakumar Yadav confirms Abhishek Sharma is doubtful for Pakistan match
"Abhishek is still not fine. He will take a game or two, I don't know. But, Sanju comes in for Abhishek. Similar batter. Explosive. Bumrah comes in for Mohammed Siraj as well," remarked Suryakumar Yadav during the toss.
There were doubts that Sharma might take a long time to recover from his illness, but Suryakumar's statements has made the Indian fans sweat in panic, because he was the star man when India last played Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025.
For the unversed, Abhishek has played three matches against Pakistan and amassed 110, which includes a fifty-plus score.
BCCI provides update on Abhishek Sharma's health
"𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: Abhishek Sharma is still recovering from his illness and was unavailable for selection. The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring his progress," tweeted BCCI after the India vs Namibia toss.
Notably, the BCCI medical team is closely monitoring Abhishek's health and will try their best to get the southpaw fit for Pakistan match on February 15.
Abhishek Sharma arrives at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Despite the illness, Abhishek arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium with the entire team, teasing Indian fans at a possible inclusion in the playing XI. He was clicked inspecting the pitch. However, Sharma's arrival has also hinted at the fact that he may be nearing his fitness, which is a positive news for the Indian fans.
Notably, Abhishek Sharma is not the only Indian opener, who is struggling with fitness issues as his partner in crime Ishan Kishan also suffered a nasty blow to the toe in training that left him in immense pain.
However, Ishan has regained full-fitness and opened the innings with Sanju Samson for the Namibia match. Talking about the ongoing match, at the time of writing this article, India are 35/1 after 3 overs.
Also, besides Abhishek, Mohammed Siraj is also not playing in today's match as Jasprit Bumrah has regained full fitness and replaces the GT star in the team, marking his first game of this edition.
India's playing XI against Namibia
India Playing XI: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
