Abhishek Sharma is probably going to make a comeback to the Indian playing XI for their match against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026, after missing the previous match due to illness.
Prior to Sunday’s February 15 match against Pakistan, India skipper revealed that the young opener will be included in the team’s pre-match press conference. After being admitted to the hospital with a stomach illness, the explosive opener missed India’s most recent encounter against Namibia.
Despite having a high fever, Abhishek participated in India’s tournament opening match against the USA in Mumbai and later needed medical attention in Delhi. However, he was discharged a day before the match against Namibia.
According to reports, the left-hander dropped almost two kg during his brief illness, but he is now fully recovered in time for the highly anticipated match. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had previously stated that he would like to play against Abhishek and referred to him as an important member of India’s best XI.
“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 at the pre-match press conference.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav made a lighthearted joke in response to Agha’s remarks.
“If Pakistan want Abhishek Sharma to play, he will play,” Suryakumar said with a smile.
Given the huge stakes and both captains addressing his presence, Abhishek’s possible comeback heightens the excitement of the big match.
IND vs PAK Squads
India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.