Abhishek Sharma ruled out of India vs Pakistan match? Official medical bulletin issued

India leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy has dropped a hint about opener Abhishek Sharma’s availability for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan. Chakravarthy said the opener is recovering well and is likely to be fit for the match against the arch-rivals in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.

Abhishek has had a difficult start to his maiden T20 World Cup campaign. The southpaw was dismissed for a golden duck against the United States of America in Mumbai. He did not take the field and had to be hospitalised due to a stomach bug. The 25-year-old batter missed the game against Namibia.

He Will Play the Next Match - Varun Chakravarthy on Abhishek Sharma

Speaking after the game against Namibia, Varun Chakravarthy said that Abhishek Sharma was present at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, February 12. Chakravarthy revealed that Abhishek spent time in the dugout and also returned to practice.

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"I think he will play the next match. I don't know. As far as I have spoken to him, he looks good. He did some practice today [Thursday]. He said he is on the way," Varun said (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo).

Earlier, speaking at the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said that Abhishek could need a match or two before returning to full fitness. The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed that the opener was still recovering from illness and was not available for selection.

"Abhishek Sharma is still recovering from his illness and was unavailable for selection. The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring his progress."

Sanju Samson Fails to Grab His Opportunity in Abhishek Sharma’s Absence

India posted a big total of 209-9 against Namibia and then bowled them out for 116 in 18.2 overs to seal a dominant win. Varun Chakravarthy led the bowling attack with 3-7 from two overs, while Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each.

In the run chase, Ishan Kishan scored 61 off 24 balls. Hardik Pandya also played a key role, smashing 52 off 28 deliveries to push the total past 200.

In Abhishek Sharma’s absence, Sanju Samson opened the innings and got off to a quick start. He scored 22 off eight balls, including three sixes and one four, but once again failed to build on the start and got out early. Samson did not keep wickets in the match, with Ishan Kishan taking the gloves.

Abhishek Sharma Finished as India’s Leading Run-Getter in T20Is in 2025

Abhishek Sharma made his T20I debut in 2024. The left-hander has scored 1,297 runs in 39 matches at an average of 36.02 and a strike rate of 194.45, with two centuries and eight half-centuries.

In 2025, Abhishek finished as India’s leading run-scorer in T20Is. He amassed 859 runs in 21 games at an average of 42.96 and a strike rate of 193.46. The opener smashed a career-best 135 against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Abhishek also played a key role in the Asia Cup 2025, where he was named Player of the Series after scoring 314 runs in seven innings at an average of 44.85. If he regains full fitness before India reach Colombo, the team is likely to include him in the playing XI.

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