Abhishek Sharma Hospitalised: Indian Opener Likely to Miss Namibia Match

In a significant setback for the Indian cricket team during the T20 World Cup 2026, star opening batsman Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised following a severe stomach infection. The development comes just days before India’s scheduled encounter against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on February 12. According to team sources, the young left-hander’s condition necessitated professional medical intervention after his health deteriorated over the last 24 hours. The medical staff is currently prioritising his recovery, making his availability for the upcoming fixture highly improbable.

Health Struggles During the USA Fixture

The origins of Abhishek Sharma’s health concerns trace back to India’s opening match against the USA on February 7. Reports indicate that the opener took the field despite suffering from a high fever. This physical strain was evident in his performance as he was dismissed for a golden duck. Following his dismissal, Sharma didn't return to the field for the second innings, with Sanju Samson stepping in as a substitute fielder. His absence during the post-match handshakes further confirmed that the player wasn't in a condition to continue his on-field duties, raising initial alarms within the camp.

Hospitalisation and Medical Updates

Speculation regarding Sharma’s health intensified when he was absent from the team’s practice session on February 10. While the team management initially cited a minor stomach ailment, a report by the Times of India confirmed that the infection was severe enough to require hospitalisation. It has been noted that Sharma attended a dinner hosted by head coach Gautam Gambhir on February 8 in Delhi, where his visible discomfort was a cause for concern. The medical team decided to move him to a healthcare facility to ensure constant monitoring and intravenous treatment for the infection.

Impact on Team Composition and Alternatives

With Abhishek Sharma likely sidelined, the Indian team management is forced to reconsider its tactical approach for the Namibia match. During recent training sessions, Sanju Samson was observed undergoing rigorous batting drills, suggesting he's the primary candidate to fill the void in the playing XI. According to analysts, Sharma’s absence disrupts the settled opening combination, potentially forcing a reshuffle in the top order. On top of that, the team is also monitoring the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar, both of whom have reportedly faced minor health issues recently, complicating the selection process for the Delhi leg.

Official Response from Coaching Staff

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate addressed the media regarding the situation, confirming that Sharma is dealing with significant gastric issues. He stated that the medical team is hopeful of a quick recovery, aiming for his return to the field within the next 48 hours. However, independent analysts suggest that rushing a player back from a systemic infection could be counterproductive. The coaching staff is expected to take a cautious approach, ensuring the player is 100% fit before resuming high-intensity international cricket, especially given the long duration of the World Cup tournament.

Conclusion and Pre-Match Briefing

A definitive update on Abhishek Sharma’s status is expected during the pre-match press conference scheduled for February 11. This briefing will clarify whether the opener will be officially ruled out of the Namibia game or if there remains a slim chance of his inclusion as a reserve. For now, the focus remains on his clinical recovery. The Indian team will need to adapt quickly to this unforeseen challenge as they look to maintain their momentum in the T20 World Cup 2026. Fans and experts alike await further medical bulletins regarding the health of the promising young cricketer.