‘Hospitalized’ Abhishek Sharma Could Miss Next T20 World Cup Game, Gautam Gambhir Concerned

While Abhishek Sharma is likely to remain sidelined for the Namibia clash, Jasprit Bumrah could return after missing India's opening game vs. USA.

‘Hospitalized’ Abhishek Sharma Could Miss Next T20 World Cup Game, Gautam Gambhir Concerned

Abhishek Sharma had been hospitalized, ahead of India's T20 WC clash against Namibia. (via Hindustan Times)

In Short
  • Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalized in Delhi due to a suspected stomach infection.
  • His fitness remains uncertain ahead of India's T20 World Cup match against Namibia.
  • Coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant Ryan ten Doeschate expressed concern over his condition.

Team India might have to take the field without the services of Abhishek Sharma for its second 2026 T20 World Cup fixture against Namibia. He had been hospitalized in New Delhi for a suspected stomach infection, which is a cause for concern for head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Abhishek Sharma’s fitness was a concern ahead of India’s T20 World Cup opener against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7. He struggled to score runs, getting out for a golden duck in the very second over off pacer Ali Khan’s delivery. His condition worsened later, as he did not return to the field in the second innings and was subsequently replaced by Sanju Samson as the substitute fielder. 

It was subsequently reported that Sharma had a high fever, and was administered IV drips for immediate relief during the India-USA clash. Despite being unwell, the 25-year-old travelled to Delhi, where the players and support staff members were hosted for a special dinner by head coach Gautam Gambhir at his residence. Sharma was also in attendance, but his condition worsened soon after, as he missed India’s first training session before the Namibia clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate cleared the air, revealing that the young left-hander is struggling with stomach issues. Abhishek Sharma is all but out of the Namibia encounter, with medical tests expected to be performed on his condition.

A BCCI source verified that the 25-year-old had been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi with a suspected infection, though there is optimism that he may recover in time after being discharged today. Ten Doeschate told the reporters:

Abhi [Abhishek Sharma] still has got a few issues with his tummy. We are hopeful that he’ll be available for the game in two days’ time. We’re waiting on his fitness more than anything and that’ll open up, again, a few different combinations.

Moreover, Sharma’s unavailability comes days ahead of India’s clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. The world’s No. 1-ranked T20I batter is in red-hot form, having scored 1,297 runs in the 39 T20Is that he has played so far, with two hundreds and eight fifties to his name. With the young all-rounder sidelined for the Namibia encounter, Samson, who was recently dropped from the playing XI following a series of low scores, is a likely replacement.

In fact, Samson was even seen undergoing intense sessions in the nets during the pre-match training on Tuesday. While Abhishek Sharma’s absence is a massive setback for the Indian team, the availability of Washington Sundar provides some relief.

Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy hold onto top spots in latest ICC T20I Rankings

Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy have maintained their positions at the top of the ICC T20I Rankings following the release of the updated list by the global cricketing body. A notable change in the rankings is the rise of Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza.

Abhishek Sharma and Varun C T20I Rankings
Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy sit on top of the ICC T20I Rankings. (via India Today)

Despite having recorded three ducks in the last six T20Is that he has featured in, Abhishek Sharma still reigns supreme on the ICC T20I Batting Rankings, with 908 rating points. In the remaining three games, the left-hander recorded scores of 84, 68*, and 30. He is followed by Phil Salt at number two on the rankings, while Pakistani opener Sahibzada Farhan has risen four spots to be ranked 3rd.

In the T20I Bowling Rankings, spinner Varun Chakravarthy also occupies the no.1 spot, with 773 points. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed is ranked 2nd with 753 points, while Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan is 3rd with 732 points. Among the Indians in the two lists, Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav are ranked 5th and 6th in batting, respectively. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh rose three spots to be placed 11th in bowling. 

It is the ICC T20I All-Rounder Rankings that have seen a major upheaval, with Sikander Raza overtaking Pakistan’s Saim Ayub to be ranked the no.1 all-rounder. Raza and Ayub are followed by Hardik Pandya (3rd), Roston Chase (4th) and Mohammad Nawaz (5th). 

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