Abhishek might miss IND vs PAK match [Source: AFP]India have suffered a major setback in the T20 World Cup, with their premier batter Abhishek Sharma hospitalised ahead of the 18th group stage match against Namibia. Abhishek is suffering from a stomach infection and is likely to miss the crucial clash on February 12. As he continues to recover, India might get Sanju Samson into their playing XI as his replacement. Additionally, the unfortunate health setback has jeopardised Abhishek's participation in the high-profile encounter between India and Pakistan.Recently, the Pakistan government cleared its national team to play against India following a trilateral negotiation between the ICC, PCB and BCB. As Pakistan prepare for the high-octane face-off, India have been jolted with a severe blow, with Abhishek's stomach infection making him doubtful for the encounter, scheduled for February 15. Abhishek Sharma 'uncertain' to play IND vs PAK T20 World Cup matchAccording to a report by Dainik Jagran, Abhishek Sharma is battling a serious stomach infection and was admitted to a hospital in Delhi on Monday. As reported earlier, the batter made an early exit from the team dinner organised by head coach Gautam Gambhir, while also missing India's first training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday. The report also claims that Abhishek is doubtful to feature in the mega clash between India and Pakistan. Considering his participation in the tournament opener against the United States aggravated his health woes, the Indian management is expected to adopt a cautious approach regarding his cricketing comeback. So, as the report states, Abhishek's fitness status will determine whether he will play the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan on Sunday, February 15. If he doesn't recover and receive fitness clearance, we may see Sanju Samson open the batting with Ishan Kishan against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Abhishek Sharma's health scare: A sigh of relief for PakistanAbhishek Sharma has been India's most potent batting weapon against Pakistan in recent times. The explosive southpaw played a significant role in dismantling the Pakistani bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, in the Asia Cup. Despite failing in the all-important final, Abhishek clobbered 314 runs across seven innings at an average of 44.86 and a blistering strike rate of 200 in the tournament. More importantly, 110 out of these runs came against Pakistan, as he smashed India's arch-rivals at a strike rate of 189.65. So, given that he has been a nightmare for Pakistan, the Men in Green must be breathing a sigh of relief, with the stomach infection casting doubts over his availability for the riveting face-off. If Abhishek Sharma misses out, India will likely replace him with Kerala batter Sanju Samson at the top order. India and Pakistan's T20 World Cup journey so farArch-rivals India and Pakistan have been unbeaten in the T20 World Cup 2026 so far. While Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan claim the top spot in group-A points table with successive victories, India are placed second with a solitary victory against the United States. The last time these two teams faced each other, India defeated Pakistan in a tight contest to clinch another Asia Cup title.
