New Delhi: India’s T20 World Cup preparations have been dealt a setback with opener Abhishek Sharma being admitted to hospital after suffering a stomach-related infection, casting serious doubt over his participation in the upcoming match against Namibia.
The 25-year-old batter has been under medical care in a private hospital in the capital for the last two days. Team sources indicated that doctors are conducting a series of tests to determine the severity of the illness and the timeline for his recovery.
“Abhishek was hospitalised due to a stomach infection. Investigations are ongoing and his discharge date is yet to be confirmed. At this stage, his availability for the Namibia game looks unlikely,” a senior BCCI official said.
Despite the immediate concern, the Indian team management remains cautiously optimistic about Sharma’s chances of returning in time for the high-profile fixture against Pakistan, scheduled to be played in Colombo on February 15.
Sources also revealed that Sharma had attended a team dinner hosted by head coach Gautam Gambhir on Sunday evening but excused himself early, reportedly after feeling unwell.
Abhishek has been a key figure at the top of the order with his aggressive batting approach, and his absence could force the team to rethink its combination for the Namibia encounter. The medical team is expected to reassess his condition over the next 24 hours before a final call is taken.
