Abhishek Sharma’s parents have landed in Colombo ahead of India’s T20 World Cup thriller against Pakistan, although the availability of the February 15 opener remains up in the air. Their arrival added a touch of family support to the build-up, with India still awaiting the final word on Abhishek’s recovery from a stomach infection.
Abhishek traveled with the Indian team on Friday, naturally raising hopes that he could still be back in time for the big one at the R Premadasa Stadium. But with just a few days left, India are in no mood to take shortcuts when it comes to his fitness.
The timing has made Abhishek’s situation one of the most talked about sub-plots of India’s World Cup campaign, especially as his tournament so far has been more stop-start than explosive.
WHAT HAPPENED TO ABHISHEK SHARMA?
Abhishek was hospitalized in Delhi earlier this week after suffering a stomach infection which forced him to sit out India’s group match against Namibia. The illness came at the worst possible time, just as the tournament was starting to pick up steam.
His only World Cup T20 appearance so far is also one he will want to quickly forget. In India’s opening match against USA, Abhishek was dismissed for a golden duck, making his absence in the next match even more frustrating as he looked for an immediate comeback.
Although he has since been released from hospital, the focus has been firmly on ensuring he regains full strength rather than rushing into action prematurely.
WILL ABHISHEK SHARMA PLAY IND VS PAK?
India are still waiting for a final report on Abhishek’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s showdown. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav said during the draw against Namibia that the opener would not be available for a “match or two”, leaving the match against Pakistan hanging in the balance.
Several former cricketers also urged India not to rush Abhishek back just because of marquee clashreminding everyone that the World Cup doesn’t end on February 15th. With the Super 8s and knockout stages around the corner, India will want Abhishek to be fully fit for the business end, not half fit for one adrenaline-fueled night.
And India has backup plans in place. Against Namibia, it was Sanju Samson who opened alongside Ishan Kishan and the pair showed plenty of promise. Sanju’s redemption cameo was short but vivid as he smashed 22 off just 8 balls, while Ishan rose to the occasion with a blistering 61 off 24 deliveries, including a 20-ball fifty.
So, unless Abhishek recovers in time, or if India decide that caution is wiser, the top order will not be completely intact.
For now, India waits, Abhishek recovers and Colombo prepares for Sunday’s showdown, which may or may not feature one of India’s most explosive openers.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 14, 2026