New Delhi: Abhishek Sharma is likely to return to India’s playing XI for their T20 World Cup 2026 game against Pakistan after missing the last match against Namibia. India captain Suryakumar Yadav dropped a major hint about the explosive opener during the pre-match press conference at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
The world No.1 T20I missed the last match in Delhi after being hospitalised with a stomach infection. He played India’s opening game of the tournament against the USA in Mumbai despite battling a high fever.
But Abhishek’s condition got worse later, and he was hospitalised in New Delhi. The opener was discharged just a day before the match against Namibia. According to reports, the explosive opener is believed to have lost almost two kilos during his illness but is now recovering well ahead of the high-octane clash.
Suryakumar Yadav responds to Salman Agha’s remarks
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha earlier said that his team wants to face the strongest Indian team, and hopes that Abhishek can play tomorrow.
“I really hope — we all know he’s a good player — and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have. I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow,” Agha said during the pre-match conference.
When reporters relayed those comments, Suryakumar replied with a cheeky remark. “If Pakistan want Abhishek Sharma to play, he will play,” he said with a smile.
A call on Abhishek’s participation will be taken on matchday, the Indian team had said, leading up to the Pakistan clash. In his absence, Sanju Samson opened the innings against Namibia in New Delhi and scored 22 runs off just 8 balls. Abhishek has scored 110 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 189.65 against Pakistan, and his availability will provide a huge relief to the Indian team.