Salman Agha and Abhishek Sharma [Source: @rudemiss18, @ApkiPurnima/x.com]Colombo is buzzing, fans are counting hours and just when the India vs Pakistan clash needed another spicy subplot, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha has tossed one straight into India’s dressing room, a bold call for Abhishek Sharma to get fit and take the field. Abhishek’s fitness scare has suddenly become the biggest talking point of India’s campaign so far, and now even the opposition captain has joined the chorus, which makes this comeback race even more dramatic. Salman Agha wants India at full strength During the pre-match conference, Pakistan captain Salman Agha kept it cheeky when asked about Abhishek Sharma’s availability, saying he hopes the Indian opener plays because Pakistan want to face India at full strength and not a weakened side. Agha admitted they want to test themselves against the best India can offer, not a second-string combination patched together due to illness and injuries. That statement alone has added more spice to an already sizzling contest. “We can't help with weather. I hope Abhishek Sharma plays tomorrow. I hope he's recovering well. We want to play against the best,” said Salman Agha. Abhishek’s health scare came at worst possible time Just when the T20 World Cup was gathering momentum and India were looking ready to shift gears, Abhishek Sharma’s health took a nasty turn. The attacking opener played against USA despite feeling unwell, walked in to bat, and was gone first ball. And then he didn’t return to the field. Soon after, things got worse. Viral fever, stomach infection, hospitalisation in Delhi, and noticeable weight loss. It all hit him at the worst possible moment, right when the tournament was beginning to heat up and India needed their explosive left-hander firing at the top. The illness forced him to miss the Namibia clash and has now left the team management with a tough call: whether to rush him back for a IND vs PAK match or play the long game and keep him safe for the business end. Team India chooses caution over chaos However, as per reports, India have decided not to play Russian roulette with Abhishek’s fitness. Super 8s and knockouts are around the corner. And a half-fit Abhishek in one high-pressure match is not worth risking a fully fit match-winner later in the tournament. Captain Suryakumar Yadav had already hinted that the opener would be out for “a game or two,” leaving the Pakistan clash hanging in suspense. Even former cricketers have urged India not to push the panic button just because it’s Pakistan. One big night cannot come at the cost of the entire campaign. Samson, Kishan step up in Namibia clash While Abhishek Sharma focused on recovery, India’s backup plan walked in and did not miss a beat. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan opened against Namibia and showed there is plenty of firepower waiting in the wings. Sanju came out all guns blazing, smashing 22 off just 8 balls in a redemption cameo that had swagger written all over it. Ishan Kishan took things to another level, hammering 61 off 24 balls and bringing up a 20-ball fifty that lit up the powerplay. Will Abhishek Sharma play IND vs PAK? Abhishek has been discharged from hospital and has travelled with the team to Colombo, which is a positive sign. Varun Chakaravarthy also hinted that the young opener could be back in the XI soon. But the final call will depend on how he feels on match eve and whether the team doctors give him the green light. For now, India waits while Abhishek recovers and Salman Agha watches with interest.
