Indian opening batsman Abhishek Sharma has been admitted to a hospital because of a stomach infection prior to India’s second game at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This has led to fresh worries about his fitness for the game scheduled for Namibia on the outskirts of New Delhi.
The 25-year old southpaw, who is an integral part of India’s batting line-up was admitted to the private medical facility in the capital city on the 9th of February. And was under medical supervision for treatment and tests until Tuesday. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources confirmed that doctors were conducting diagnostic exams in order to assess the seriousness of his illness as well as his involvement in the game scheduled for the 12th of February is not certain.
According to media reports that Sharma’s health issues began before the opening match with the United States in Mumbai over the weekend. Although he was feeling sick Sharma was a part of the playing XI, but was unable to perform well, getting exiled as a Golden Duck, and then not playing in the USA innings. The illness reportedly got worse following the game, leading to the decision of admitting him in a hospital where the patient is receiving treatment and treatment that supports him, including intravenous fluids since his temperature was reported to have increased.
Sharma’s absence was apparent in India’s training session held in the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, when the player was not present in the practice sessions. Coach assistant Ryan Ten Doeschate spoke to the media, addressing the cricketer’s stomach problems and expressed cautious optimism over his health. “Abhi still has some problems with his stomach. We’re hoping that he’ll be ready for the game in a couple of days,” ten Doeschate said, pointing out his team’s watching his fitness closely.
A BCCI source said that, while there was a possibility of Sharma being released from hospital and regaining fully fit but it was not clear whether he’d be able to play in time for the Namibia game. “It isn’t yet certain whether he’ll be discharged this morning. However, the game against Namibia is uncertain at the moment,” the source told Press Trust of India (PTI).
Sharma’s possible absence is an important moment for India which are in the beginning of the T20 World Cup campaign. As one of India’s most aggressive openers, Sharma’s place in the middle of the line has proven vital in setting the direction for India’s innings. In the absence of him the team management has to make an important decision regarding what to do with the batting line-up to face Namibia.
In the absence of Sharma, a variety of combinations are being thought of. According to reports, the wicketkeeper and batsman Sanju Samson could be a candidate to fill the vacant spot possibly partnering together with Ishan Kishan at the top of the list. Samson is not included in the playing XI that played against the USA and was spotted having net sessions for a long time during the Tuesday training. However, sources suggest that his performance during practice appeared a little “scratchy” in comparison to other bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya.
There was some good news for the Indian camp also got some positive information on fitness and experienced bowler Jasprit Bumrah who was absent from the opening game of the tournament because of illness was able to resume fully-intensity practice at Delhi the previous day, indicating his commitment to an attacking bowling team. Also the All-rounder Washington Sundar has returned to the team after recovering from a strain on his side which has further strengthened the squad’s strength.
The hospitalization of Sharma has naturally led to speculation regarding his involvement in India’s marquee game in the upcoming match against Pakistan on the eve of Colombo in Feb 15. The team’s management is hopeful that Sharma will be ready for the match but his fitness will be evaluated on a regular basis, with ongoing examinations and monitoring of his medical condition to determine whether he is fit to play.
Sharma is a notable player with India at T20 internationals. In the years since his introduction in 2024 Sharma has scored substantial numbers of runs, and established himself an essential player in the batting line-up which makes his uncertainty for the Namibia game an even greater concern. His ability to give fast start and also contribute vital runs is a significant player, and the team is eager to see him return to the game as soon as it is possible.
With India getting ready to take on Namibia in the Arun Jaitley Stadium and the final decision about the team’s playing XI is likely to be made following the final training session prior to the match. Medical staff and the team’s management will assess the progress of Sharma’s recovery prior to confirming his availability considering his health and the demands of playing during the World Cup.
The situation is still in flux, and any further updates coming from either BCCI and those from the Indian team’s management is expected prior to the high-stakes match.