Abhishek Sharma's update ahead of IND-PAK clash. [Source - @bcci/x]India’s preparations for their high-voltage Group A showdown against Pakistan have been anything but smooth. First Abhishek Sharma suffered an infection, then Ishan Kishan got injured before the India vs Namibia clash in Delhi.Just when the focus should have been purely on tactics and combinations, fresh uncertainty has hit the camp ahead of Sunday’s much-anticipated contest in Colombo.The clash itself was earlier thrown into doubt after Pakistan initially decided to boycott the fixture, but made a last minute change in mind. Following intense back-and-forth discussions, the game was eventually confirmed, restoring excitement and promising fans a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat battle. While fans gear up for another classic India-Pakistan spectacle, one development has raised eyebrows across both camps, that is the availability of India’s premier T20I opener, Abhishek Sharma. His potential absence could significantly alter India’s game plan on Sunday. Decision on Abhishek Sharma playing against Pakistan expected on Saturday India reached Colombo on Friday for the much-anticipated clash, and Abhishek Sharma travelled with the squad despite missing the previous game. The team management will now closely monitor his recovery before deciding whether he is fit enough to feature on Sunday. The opener was ruled out of the Namibia match in Delhi due to a stomach infection. Since arriving in Colombo, he has taken part in light training sessions. According to PTI, his availability depends on how comfortable and energetic he looks during Saturday’s nets. The final decision will be taken after the evening practice session, with management unwilling to take risks in such a high-pressure encounter. If Abhishek Sharma responds well and shows no discomfort, he could open. Otherwise, India may choose a safer replacement for the marquee clash. Who will open against Pakistan if Abhishek fails to regain match fitness? In Abhishek Sharma’s absence against Namibia, Sanju Samson was given a chance to open the innings and made an immediate impact. He smashed a quick 22 off just eight balls, giving India a flying start inside the powerplay and shifting momentum early. Samson’s aggressive approach at the top underlined his superb touch and growing confidence, as he attacked from ball one and kept the scoreboard moving briskly. With that impactful cameo, there is no doubt about Sanju Samson being the candidate to partner Ishan Kishan if Abhishek fails to regain full match fitness in time. Pakistan’s nightmare Abhishek faces tough start in the T20 World Cup It has not been the ideal beginning to the tournament for Abhishek Sharma. The world’s number one ranked T20I batter was expected to dominate, but things have not gone his way. Firstly, he was dismissed for a golden duck against the USA, in India's tournament opener. Having said that, his stomach infection only made matters worse, forcing him to miss the Namibia game and casting doubt over his availability for the Pakistan clash. For a player of his stature, it has been an anticlimax start, especially in a tournament where expectations were extremely high. Moreover, Abhishek remains a crucial part for India and has been their most explosive performer in the shortest format recently. He was one of the stars against Pakistan in Asia Cup triumph last year, hammering them at nearly 190 strike-rate, so his absence would ease their nerves and slightly boost their upset hopes in Colombo.
