Abhishek Sharma leaves team dinner early [Source: X]The T20 World Cup has just started, but Team India has suffered an early jolt as Abhishek Sharma is unwell, and the swashbuckling batter didn’t even take the field when the USA side was batting on Saturday. He was dismissed for a golden duck, but eyebrows were raised when Abhishek couldn’t be seen on the field and Sanju Samson replaced him. India’s next T20 World Cup clash will take place against Namibia in Delhi on Thursday, and ahead of the fixture, India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, hosted a team dinner at his residence on Sunday evening. While everyone gathered at his venue for the dinner, Abhishek could be seen leaving alone and early.Press Trust of India @PTI_News VIDEO | Swashbuckling opener Abhishek Sharma leaves from the residence of head coach Gautam Gambhir early. Gautam Gambhir is hosting the team for a dinner ahead of the game against Namibia in T20 World Cup. #T20WorldCup #GautamGambhir Feb 8, 2026, 10:21 PM Team India players and staff arrived at Gambhir’s residence on Sunday, but in an unceremonious manner, Abhishek Sharma left early as several staff members came to bid him farewell. Now, question marks have been raised on his possible availability for India’s next clash against Namibia in Delhi.Abhishek unwell as India sweats hardTeam India were the favourites to beat the USA in their opening T20 World Cup fixture, but they barely survived the contest as the USA team gave them a run for their money. After the match, Mohammed Siraj attended the press conference and revealed that Abhishek played the game with a high fever and upset stomach.“Abhishek Sharma has an upset tummy, that's why he didn't field. He will be back fine," Siraj stated.Abhishek becomes India’s second casualty as Jasprit Bumrah, the star pacer also missed the USA clash due to high fever, and the pacer is expected to miss the Namibia clash on Thursday.Who can replace Abhishek if India rests him?India won their opening contest against the USA, and will next take on Namibia in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. While Siraj is confident that Abhishek will be back on the field for that game, Team India might have a different game plan.India is likely to play against Pakistan on February 15, and the Men in Blue would ideally want Abhishek to be hundred percent fit for that mega clash. Hence, if he is given rest for the Namibia match, India does have a solid replacement ready.Sanju Samson is warming the bench, and against Namibia, India could recall him to replace the ill Abhishek at the top. The keeper-batter will get some match practice and much-needed confidence.The importance of Abhishek Sharma in T20I squadTeam India boasts a plethora of batters, and almost all of them are quality players. However, there is no substitute for Abhishek as the 25-year-old has been exceptional for the team ever since he made his T20I debut.He has racked up runs for fun and has a T20I strike rate closer to the 200-run mark. Abhishek gives India fiery starts, and while he failed in the USA match, Team India knows his ability, and the world has seen how destructive the Indian youngster can be. The management would hope he can return to the field quickly as they need his explosiveness at the top.
