India will face Namibia in the second match of the 2026 T20 World Cup but they will be without their star opener Abhishek Sharma.

The left-handed batsman was sidelined due to a stomach issue. He played in the last game against the United States and was eliminated with the first goal. Later, he did not take the field as India assistant coach Ryan Ten Dushat revealed that the batsman was recovering from a stomach problem.

According to reports, the problem started on February 6 when he ate something after an online training session in Mumbai. He had an upset stomach and his condition worsened the next day when India played the United States. Although Abhishek Sharma decided to play, he was unable to make any impact with the bat.

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He also traveled with the team to New Delhi to watch the game against Namibia, but his condition worsened. He lost weight drastically due to dehydration and water loss before being admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital
Hospitals in New Delhi.

Abhishek Sharma to miss Pakistan clash?

Although Abhishek Sharma was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, it looks like he will be on the sidelines for a few more days. He was expected to be fully fit for the match against Pakistan but now looks doubtful.

Speaking ahead of the match against Namibia, India captain Suryakumar Yadav gave a worrying update on Abhishek Sharma, saying the opener will miss a game or two. India will face Pakistan on February 15 and Abhishek is racing against time to adapt to the mammoth clash.

“We want to bat first. Very happy with that. As long as we lose the toss and win the game, we’ll be okay with that. Dew will be a big factor, but when you go out and defend the total, it gives you confidence. Abhishek is still not good, he’ll miss a game or two. Sanju comes in, a similar batsman, explosive. Bumrah comes in for Siraj,” Suryakumar said.

India’s starting line-up for the Namibia match:

India made two changes to their eleven for the match against the United States. With Abhishek Sharma out, Sanju Samson returns to the team. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah replaced Mohammed Siraj.

Indian Team XI:

Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ardeep SinghVarun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

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