With Abhishek Sharma missing from the team’s training session on Tuesday night, India may have to make forced changes in their next T20 World Cup 2026 match against Namibia on February 12.

India, the defending champion and co-host of the tournament, is preparing for its next match. The team management rested the entire team on Monday and the team reached Delhi on Sunday. Sharma’s absence soon became a major talking point among Indian cricket fans.

Coach informs Abhishek Sharma about current situation

“Abshi (Abhishek Sharma) still has some stomach issues but we hope he will be able to play in two days,” Dushat told a press conference.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Team India assistant coach Ryan Ten Doshat during a press conference at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

“Washington Sundar has joined the team and will bowl today; Jasprit Bumrah will too. Bumrah has not bowled for 10 days and Abhishek is still sick. pic.twitter.com/9gesz3ZUuM

— IANS (@ians_india) February 10, 2026

Sharma played in India’s first match against the United States but was dismissed for a golden duck. The left-hander hit a high-cutting shot that hit the fielder’s arm directly at deep cover.

During the match, it was reported that the opener suffered an upset stomach. In the second innings, Abhishek Sharma remained absent as India defended their total.

Will Abhishek Sharma miss India’s next T20 World Cup 2026 match?

On Tuesday, the team’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doschate informed that the batsman is not yet fully recovered. When the team hit the training ground for the training season, it was noticed that Abhishek was not in the team.

There is a high chance that the batsman will be seen on the sidelines during India’s match against Namibia if the batsman remains unfit and the team management wants to protect their resources ahead of the crucial match against Pakistan.

Samson as substitute opener

In the first match of the tournament, the Men in Blue selected Ishan Kishan to start the match with Sharma. India, as expected, defeated the United States, but their batting performance was less than stellar.

Key batsmen Ishan Kishan, Sharma and Tilak Varma all had a bad day. Thanks to skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning 84-run knock, the home team won the match by 29 runs.

If Abhishek Sharma remains unavailable for the next game, then Sanju Samson can fill the starting spot. Samson proved to be a major failure in the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand as he was dropped cheaply in all the matches.

With Sanju Samson out of form, the team management promoted Ishan Kishan to the starting position to create a link-up with Sharma.

Read more: Washington Sundar joins squad, India coach gives big update on Jasprit Bumrah