Abhishek Sharma Hospitalised with Stomach Infection Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 – India vs Namibia in Doubt

Indian cricket fans were hit with some anxiety ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as star opener Abhishek Sharma was hospitalised in Delhi with a stomach infection , making his participation against Namibia uncertain. The development emerged just days after India’s tournament opener against the USA, where the left-handed batter looked visibly under the weather and later failed to take the field in the second innings.

The 25-year-old was admitted to a private hospital in Delhi for the past two days, according to sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Medical staff are conducting tests to understand the severity of his condition and determine when he might be discharged. With the match against Namibia scheduled for Thursday in New Delhi, his availability for that game is now doubtful. Officials have indicated that a decision will depend on his recovery timeline.

Abhishek’s health concerns were evident even before the World Cup began. Reports suggested he was already not at 100% fitness during India’s win over the USA, where he was dismissed for a golden duck and did not return to the field thereafter. He was also absent from India’s first training session in New Delhi, fuelling concerns about his condition. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate noted that Abhishek still had some stomach issues but was hopeful of his availability after a couple of days of rest and treatment.

The timing of this setback adds strain on an Indian team already managing fitness issues. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has also missed the opener due to illness but returned to training, while other squad members have been rotated in response to conditions and form. In Abhishek’s absence, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson took the field and could be considered for an opening role if Sharma remains unavailable.

India’s top order balance has been a talking point leading into the tournament. Abhishek’s aggressive style at the top provides power in the crucial early overs; his absence would force strategic changes, particularly against tougher opposition. Management will likely evaluate options carefully, weighing fitness against long-term commitments with many matches ahead in the 20-team format.

While the immediate focus is on the Namibia clash, the bigger test lies in India’s scheduled showdown with Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. Team officials have expressed cautious optimism that Abhishek might recover in time for that fixture, but much depends on how his recovery progresses over the coming days.

Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as updates emerge. The Indian team’s depth will be tested if key players miss crucial matches, but there’s hope that Abhishek Sharma’s health scare remains a temporary blip in what promises to be an intense T20 World Cup campaign.