India opener Abhishek Sharma is currently on the road to recovery after falling ill during the team’s opening clash against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Abhishek's health update
The 25-year-old endured a tough outing, getting dismissed for a golden duck. Soon after his dismissal, he was not seen on the field, with Sanju Samson stepping in as a substitute fielder. Abhishek also did not come out for the customary post-match handshakes, raising concerns about his condition.
A day after the match, Sports Tak reported that Abhishek had been hospitalised, a development later confirmed by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, who stated that the opener was unwell. It was initially expected that the left-hander would miss the upcoming clash against Namibia. While Tilak Varma later reassured that Abhishek was doing better, captain Suryakumar Yadav, at the toss, admitted that the youngster is still not fully fit and could miss a game or two as he continues his recovery. Notably, India will face Pakistan in their next T20 World Cup clash, and Abhishek will surely play a crucial role for the Men in Blue in the high-voltage clash in Colombo.
"Hopefully, batters go out, enjoy themselves. Abhishek is still not fine; he will miss a game or two. Sanju comes in, similar batter, explosive. Bumrah comes in for Siraj," said Suryakumar Yadav at the toss.
Coming back to India vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026 clash, Namibia captain won the toss and opted to bowl as India featured with two changes as Jasprit Bumrah comes in place of Mohammed Siraj and Sanju Samson replaced Abhishek Sharma.
India vs Namibia playing XIs
India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Namibia (Playing XI): Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus(c), JJ Smit, Zane Green(w), Ruben Trumpelmann, Malan Kruger, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, Max Heingo