'Seriously ill' Abhishek Sharma hospitalised before India vs Namibia T20 World Cup match

Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised [Source: AFP]

In a massive setback for India, swashbuckling opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised due to a serious health issue ahead of the T20 World Cup match against Namibia. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India had a positive start to the T20 World Cup, winning their tournament opener convincingly by 29 runs against the United States. 

However, the co-hosts have suffered a major blow, with their key batter, Abhishek Sharma, hospitalised due to a stomach infection. 

What happened to Abhishek Sharma?

Abhishek Sharma has undoubtedly been India's most prolific T20I batter in recent times. The southpaw, who made his debut against Zimbabwe in 2024, has replaced the legendary Rohit Sharma with profound success. 

Abhishek had a shaky start to the T20 World Cup, as USA's Pakistan-born pacer Ali Khan dismissed him for a golden duck. However, more than his failure against the United States, what bothered India was his stomach infection, which eventually jeopardised his participation in the subsequent match against Namibia. 

According to the latest reports from the Times of India, Abhishek was diagnosed with a stomach infection, developing a high temperature during Team India's stay in Mumbai. His health condition deteriorated following his participation in the first game against the USA, as he was supported by drips before the team travelled to Delhi. 

The explosive southpaw eventually went on to miss India's first training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where they are scheduled to face Namibia on Thursday, February 12. Although he travelled to Delhi with his teammates, Abhishek failed to recover from the infection, prompting the Indian team to admit him to a hospital in Delhi. 

Ryan ten Doeschate issued updates on Abhishek, Washington and Bumrah

Before Abhishek was hospitalised, India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate issued an update, confirming the batter had an upset stomach. The former Dutch cricketer also revealed that Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah were back in action in the nets and pretty much in contention to play the Namibia clash. 

Notably, both Sundar and Bumrah were sidelined from India's T20 World Cup opener due to health issues. While Bumrah was ill, Sundar hadn't recovered from the side strain and rib injury that ruled him out of the New Zealand series. 

“It’s great the game is back on, no big change for us. We got to know late yesterday. Washington Sundar has joined the team, will bowl today; so will Bumrah. Bumrah hasn’t bowled for 10 days, Abhishek still has an upset stomach,” Ten Doeschate told reporters on Tuesday. 

Sanju Samson looked out of touch ahead of IND vs NAM match

Although Abhishek Sharma's stomach infection opened the doors for Sanju Samson's return, the Kerala batter reportedly struggled in the nets, failing to convince the Indian team management with his batting. He also got his left arm treated, and it will be interesting to see if the Indian management gives him an opportunity or forms a different batting combination altogether.