Abhishek Sharma is back at the team hotel after an overnight stay in a Delhi clinic, yet India still do not know whether their left-hand opener will face Namibia in Thursday’s second T20 World Cup outing.
A BCCI official, speaking to PTI, set out the timeline. “Abhishek has been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi due to stomach infection,” the official said on Wednesday morning. “Some tests are being done to ascertain the problem. It is still not clear whether he will be discharged today. But match against Namibia looks doubtful as of now.” By late afternoon the player had indeed been allowed home, but the medical team advised another 24 hours’ rest before a final call.
The stomach bug first came to light in Mumbai. Abhishek, out first ball against the USA, did not return to the field during the chase. India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate explained at the time: “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.” Two days have almost passed, and caution appears to be the watchword.
Should Abhishek sit out, India may shuffle the top order again. Sanju Samson could move up alongside Ishan Kishan – Kishan only reclaimed the gloves last month after a lean run by Samson against New Zealand. Ten Doeschate admitted the camp is weighing options. “We’re waiting on Abhi’s fitness more than anything and that’ll open up, again, a few different combinations,” he said.
Analyst Aakash Chopra, speaking on a broadcaster’s podcast, underlined why India are so keen to get their power-play aggressor back. “Oppositions know there is no way to stop Abhishek Sharma if he gets going,” says Aakash Chopra. The numbers back him: a strike-rate of 164 in T20 internationals since the start of last year, with most runs coming in the first six overs.
There is better news on the bowling front. Jasprit Bumrah, who sat out the USA match with a mild fever, bowled full throttle in Tuesday’s nets and is expected to spearhead the attack. Off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar has also rejoined the group after a side strain; he bowled and later batted against throw-downs, clearing the ropes a couple of times.
India will train once more on match-eve. The selectors and medical staff aim to make a decision on Abhishek after that session. For now, the team remain upbeat, mindful that tournaments rarely proceed without the odd hiccup.
