India vs NZ - (Source: AFP)
On Saturday, February 7, India started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It was far from a perfect match for the Men in Blue as they barely managed a win against the Monank Patel-led side.
Notably, India, batting first, lost six wickets for just 77 runs on the board. Eventually, Suryakumar Yadav’s fifty-plus score helped India put 161 runs on the board. The biggest shock of the day was Abhishek Sharma getting out for a golden duck. Eventually, the Men in Blue restricted the USA to just 132 runs and took a 29-run win.
Eyes were on the Southpaw and World No. 1-ranked T20I batter, who registered a golden duck, 3rd in his illustrious career. Further, Abhishek didn’t take the field, and it left the fans concerned.
Mohammed Siraj provides an update on Abhishek Sharma
Notably, after the match got over, Mohammed Siraj attended the post-match conference, where he provided an update on Abhishek Sharma and stated that the southpaw is also battling illness. He stated that Abhishek is suffering from fever and upset stomach.
“Everything is fine. His stomach was a little upset. He’ll be back in the next match and show his magic with the bat,” Siraj said.
The India seamer assured that the India batter will be all fit and fine for India's upcoming match. Fortunately, the Men in Blue have a five day rest and will play against Namibia on February 12 in new Delhi.
Indian camp hit with viral flu
Notably, Abhishek Sharma is the second India player to be down with flu as the Indian camp has been hit with viral fever. For the unversed, Jasprit Bumrah was also suffering from high fever, following which he missed out on India's T20 World Cup 2026 opening match against the USA.
However, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has also assured the fans that Bumrah will also be fit in time for the upcoming match against Namibia.
“Bumrah, he was having high fever because of the weather, like how Abhishek was under the weather,” Suryakumar Yadav said.
Abhishek Sharma low in confidence
Notably, Abhishek, who is the No.1 ranked T20I batter in the world, is predicted by many to be the leading run-getter in this tournament. However, he is a bit low in confidence. Notably, India recently featured in a solitary T20 World Cup 2026 match against South Africa, where mostly all India batters scored runs except Abhishek.
Against South Africa, India put 240 runs on the board, where Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya were handy with the bat. However, Abhishek scored 24 (18), which featured three fours and a solitary six.
It was an underwhelming innings as per his standards and the knock was followed by a golden duck, which further hampered his confidence. Now, it is to be seen whether Sharma will be fit in time for the next match and also continue his usual form with the bat.
