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COLOMBO: India’s preparations for their marquee showdown against Pakistan have been dealt a potential blow, with explosive opener Abhishek Sharma still uncertain for the high-voltage ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter scheduled on February 15.
The left-handed batter is racing against time to regain full fitness after being hospitalised earlier this week due to a stomach infection.
According to Indian media reports, Sharma has recovered enough to be discharged and rejoin the squad, but lingering weakness continues to concern the team management ahead of the crucial fixture.
Sharma had already missed India’s previous match against Namibia on Thursday, a game the defending champions won comfortably by 93 runs.
Medical staff are closely monitoring his condition, and a final decision on his participation is expected after Friday’s training session in Colombo.
In a recent video update alongside pacer Arshdeep Singh, Sharma revealed the toll the illness has taken on him, sharing that he survived mostly on plain rice and lentils and lost nearly two kilograms during his recovery period.
India are due to arrive in Colombo from Delhi later tonight as preparations intensify for one of cricket’s most anticipated rivalries against the Pakistan national cricket team.
The clash, part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, is scheduled for Sunday and carries significant importance for both sides.
The aggressive opener has amassed 1,297 runs in 39 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 194.95, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.
Against Pakistan, he has scored 110 runs in three appearances at a strike rate of 189.65, registering one half-century.
Historically, India have dominated the rivalry in the shortest format. Out of 16 T20 internationals between the two teams, India have won 13, while Pakistan have managed three victories.
In T20 World Cup contests, India lead 6-1, with one match ending without a result.
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