Team India leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy reckons that dashing opener Abhishek Sharma is likely to be available for the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan on Sunday, February 15. Chakaravarthy asserted that the southpaw is very much on the path to recovery.
Abhishek was dismissed for a golden duck in India’s opening T20 World Cup 2026 clash against USA in Mumbai. He did not field due to a stomach bug and even had to be hospitalized for the same. As a result, the 25-year-old missed the Men in Blue’s clash against Namibia on Thursday in Delhi, which India won by 93 runs.
Speaking after the game against Namibia, Chakaravarthy provided a positive update on Abhishek and commented (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo):
“I think he will play the next match. I don’t know. As far as I have spoken to him, he looks good. He did some practice today [Thursday]. He said he is on the way.”
Earlier, speaking after losing the toss, Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav commented that Abhishek might take a game or two to recover. The BCCI also shared an official update on the Indian opener and wrote:
“Abhishek Sharma is still recovering from his illness and was unavailable for selection. The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring his progress.”
Abhishek has been key to Team India’s success in the T20I format over the last couple of seasons. In 39 matches, the left-handed batter has scored 1,297 runs at an average of 36.02 and a strike rate of 194.45, with two tons and eight fifties.
Sanju Samson fails to grab his opportunity in Abhishek Sharma’s absence
With Abhishek unavailable for the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Namibia, Team India gave another chance to the struggling Sanju Samson. The Kerala cricketer began his innings in impressive fashion, but perished softly yet again for 22 off eight balls, smashing three sixes and a four. The right-handed batter flicked a slower ball from Ben Shikongo tamely to deep mid-wicket.
Ishan Kishan top-scored for the Men in Blue with 61 off 24 balls, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya smashed 52 off just 28 deliveries. Batting first, India posted 209-9 and then cleaned up Namibia for 116 in 18.2 overs. Chakaravarthy starred 3-7 from two overs, while Pandya and Axar Patel claimed two scalps each.
Edited by Renin Wilben Albert
