New Delhi, Feb 11 (UNI) From a first-ball duck in the tournament opener to a hospital bed within days, Abhishek Sharma’s T20 World Cup journey has taken an unexpected and dramatic turn, leaving India with a fresh selection puzzle ahead of their clash against Namibia in Delhi on Thursday.
The young India opener has been hospitalised in the national capital with a stomach infection and has been under medical observation for the past two days. Tests are being conducted to determine the exact cause of the ailment, and his discharge remains uncertain, casting serious doubt over his availability for the Namibia fixture.
Abhishek’s discomfort had first come to light during India’s opening match against the USA in Mumbai, where he was dismissed off the very first ball he faced. The left-hander did not return to the field during the USA’s unsuccessful chase, with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate later confirming that he was battling a stomach bug.
"Abhi still has got a few issues with his tummy. We are hopeful that he'll be available for the game in two days' time," Ten Doeschate had said after the match.
With Abhishek now hospitalised, India’s think tank is compelled to reassess its opening combination at a crucial stage of the tournament. Sanju Samson emerges as a potential replacement at the top of the order. The wicketkeeper-batsman had earlier lost his place as the first-choice gloveman to Ishan Kishan following a run of low scores against New Zealand, but could now find himself back in contention.
"We're waiting on Abhi's fitness more than anything and that'll open up, again, a few different combinations," Ten Doeschate had noted, hinting at the tactical adjustments under consideration.
While Abhishek’s situation presents a setback, India have received encouraging news on other fronts. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the USA game due to illness, is set to return for the Namibia encounter. He trained at full intensity in Delhi on Tuesday, bowling with rhythm and pace.
Allrounder Washington Sundar has also rejoined the squad after recovering from a side strain suffered during the New Zealand series. He bowled in the nets and later faced throwdowns, signalling match readiness.
As India prepares for Namibia, the spotlight shifts from the scoreboard to the team sheet. From a first-ball dismissal to a medical emergency, Abhishek’s sudden setback has turned India’s opening slot into the biggest talking point on the eve of the contest.
UNI BDN AAB