Suryakumar says Abhishek may remain unavailable until IND VS PAK clash | T20 World Cup 2026

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav has provided the latest update on Abhishek Sharma’s fitness ahead of India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match against Namibia on Thursday at Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi.

Surya, after being invited to bat first by toss winners Namibia, spoke about the team combination and mentioned that the flamboyant Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has not yet regained fitness and is expected to miss a game or two.

Surya’s statement means India are likely to play their blockbuster game against Pakistan on Sunday also without Abhishek.

Abhishek out with stomach infection

Abhishek Sharma was ruled out after suffering a stomach infection after India’s opening fixture against USA. He was hospitalised for a couple of days before being discharged. Tilak Verma, speaking at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, confirmed that Abhishek has been discharged but continues to be under medical observation. The batter did not regain match fitness in time for the Thursday fixture, paving the way for Samson’s inclusion in the playing 11.

Abhishek’s record against Pakistan

If Abhishek does not recover in time for the Pakistan clash, it would be a significant blow for India in the crucial Group A encounter. Since 2024, he has played the aggressor’s role for the Men in Blue during the powerplay, with his brisk starts often laying the foundation for imposing totals.

His absence against Pakistan would be particularly notable given his record against the arch-rivals. In three T20Is against them so far, Abhishek has scored 110 runs at an average of 36.66 and an impressive strike rate of 189.65.