New Delhi: India skipper Suryakumar Yadav made a worrying claim at the coin toss ahead of the India vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Surya’s comments on Abhishek Sharma, who is battling illness and not playing India’s second match, have left the Indian fans worried and sparked joy among the Pakistani contingent.
Abhishek, the world no.1 batter and arguably the most impactful player in the world, is not available for the Namibia clash due to a stomach infection, which has led to severe weight loss. The Indian opener was reportedly ill while playing India’s opener against the USA in Mumbai last weekend and was hospitalised in Delhi for two days.
Despite being discharged, Abhishek has not fully recovered, and Surya effectively put a rubber stamp on his current health status with his comments at the coin toss.
The India captain cast doubt on Abhishek’s availability for the Pakistan clash in Colombo on Sunday, February 15, when asked about his team combination by former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri, who is part of the broadcast team for the showpiece event.
Surya makes a worrying claim
“Abhishek (Sharma) is still not fine, he will miss a game or two,” Surya said.
While Abhishek was all but confirmed to miss the Namibia game, he was expected to be fit for the all-important match against Pakistan on Sunday. However, as per Surya, there is a big chance that Abhishek doesn’t recover in time for the blockbuster match, for which the Indian squad will have to travel overseas to Colombo.
Abhishek’s absence will be a massive blow for the Indian team and a moral win for Pakistan, without even stepping on the field. The Punjab opener has the ability to disrupt bowling plans and put psychological pressure on the opposition with his explosive batting.
Pakistan will breathe a big sigh of relief if Abhishek doesn’t take the field on Sunday.
Abhishek has a decent record against Pakistan. The swashbuckling batter has scored 110 runs in three matches at an astonishing strike rate of 189.65 with the highest score of 74 against the Men In Green. In these three games, Abhishek has punished Pakistan bowlers by hitting 11 fours and seven sixes.
India made two changes to their playing XI and replaced Abhishek and Mohammed Siraj with Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah as Namibia won the toss and opted to bowl first.