Ahead of the India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, star opener Abhishek Sharma has provided a major health update after missing India’s
previous group game. Abhishek was ruled out of India’s Group A fixture against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi after battling a severe stomach infection. The southpaw had earlier featured in the match against the USA in Mumbai but was far from full fitness.
He was dismissed for a first-ball duck and did not take the field thereafter, with Sanju Samson coming in as a substitute. Soon after, he was hospitalised for two days due to acute gastroenteritis and dehydration.
According to a NDTV report, the 25-year-old lost nearly 2 kilograms during his illness. He was discharged ahead of the Namibia game and was present at the stadium, though he did not participate in training. Abhishek is still feeling weak, and his stamina remains under assessment as he gradually regains strength.
In a recent appearance on Arshdeep Singh’s vlog, Abhishek revealed that he is currently on a strict diet of dal and rice as part of his rehabilitation plan. He admitted to losing weight during his hospital stay.
Watch the video below
Update on Abhishek Sharma by Arshdeep Singh, good to know he’s doing good 😄 pic.twitter.com/MbvOzMChmg
— 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 (@ManishSRH) February 12, 2026
India captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss against Namibia stated, “Abhishek isn’t fine still, might take one or two games,” indicating that the team management may not rush him back early. Abhishek’s potential absence could be significant. The left-hander has been in blistering form at the top of the order and has enjoyed success against Pakistan in the past. During the Asia Cup 2025, he scored 110 runs in three matches against them at a strike rate of 189.
India head into the Pakistan clash with a 93-run win over Namibia. Half-centuries from Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan guided the Men in Blue to 209/9 before Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Hardik sealed the win with the ball.
