Indian cricket fans received worrying news as Abhishek Sharma, the flamboyant opener, was hospitalised with a stomach infection, leaving his participation in Thursday’s T20 World Cup match against Namibia uncertain. The 25-year-old has been under medical care in a private Delhi hospital for the past two days. According to a BCCI source, “Some tests are being conducted to ascertain the severity of the infection. It remains unclear if he will be discharged today. The Namibia game currently looks doubtful.”
Abhishek had a disappointing outing in India’s opening T20 against the USA in Mumbai, where he was dismissed for a duck and did not return to the field, with Sanju Samson taking over fielding responsibilities. A stomach infection is particularly concerning for athletes, as it can impact stamina and endurance—critical factors in high-intensity T20 matches. Whether Abhishek will be fit to travel to Colombo on Friday, train on Saturday, and take the field against Pakistan on Sunday remains a key question for team management.
The Indian team is prioritising the upcoming clash with Pakistan at the Premadasa Stadium on February 15 over the Namibia fixture. Samson has been actively batting in the nets and working closely with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, suggesting that the team is preparing alternatives should Abhishek not regain full fitness. Despite the health setback, sources indicate optimism within the camp. The management is hopeful that Abhishek will be able to recover in time for the high-stakes match against Pakistan.
Abhishek attended a team dinner at head coach Gautam Gambhir’s residence on Sunday, though he left earlier than his teammates. His presence, albeit brief, indicates that the player is being monitored closely while focusing on recovery.
Abhishek Sharma’s hospitalisation comes at a crucial time for India, as the team navigates player fitness issues ahead of high-pressure T20 World Cup fixtures. Fans will be keeping a close watch on his recovery, hoping he regains full fitness in time to bolster India’s top order against Pakistan.