Will Abhishek Sharma play today? That is the big question hanging over India’s second group match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as the team prepares for the IND vs NAM clash in Delhi following the opener’s recent hospitalisation.
The Abhishek Sharma injury concern emerged after he missed the fielding innings against USA and was later admitted to hospital with a stomach infection. Although he has since been discharged, uncertainty remains over whether he will feature in the India playing XI vs Namibia.
With India vs Namibia team news dominated by fitness updates, the spotlight now shifts to who replaces Abhishek Sharma if he is not fully fit, and whether India’s opening combination will change.
“Abhishek has been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi due to stomach infection,” a BCCI source told PTI. “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.”
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Abhishek Sharma Injury Update – Is He Fit To Play vs Namibia?
The Abhishek Sharma injury update remains cautiously optimistic. The left-handed opener was hospitalised due to a stomach bug shortly after India’s opening match, sparking speculation around his availability.
Team sources confirmed that Abhishek Sharma hospitalised reports were accurate, but he has now been discharged and is recovering well. The key question, however, is not just about recovery, it is about match readiness.
Will Abhishek Sharma play vs Namibia? That decision is expected to be taken closer to the toss. While there is no major structural injury, weakness and fatigue after illness can affect timing and sharpness at the top of the order.
For India, who have built their batting template around explosive starts, the debate around “Will Abhishek Sharma play today” carries tactical importance. If he is deemed even slightly undercooked, the team management may opt for caution.
Who Will Open For India Today If Abhishek Misses Out?
If Abhishek Sharma does not play today, the immediate question becomes: who will open for India today alongside Ishan Kishan?
India have options, but each brings a different tactical balance to the IND vs NAM playing XI.
Sanju Samson – The Natural Replacement
Sanju Samson appears the most straightforward Sanju Samson replacement option. The wicketkeeper-batter has trained extensively over the past two sessions and looked sharp in the nets.
His experience at the top of the order makes him a ready-made answer to who replaces Abhishek Sharma. In previous comebacks, Samson has shown he can handle pressure, including a blistering T20I century that underlined his attacking credentials.
However, his recent run — 268 runs in 16 T20I innings — has been modest. That dip in returns is why Ishan Kishan reclaimed the primary opener’s role before the tournament.
Yet, with Abhishek Sharma injury clouds hovering, Samson’s inclusion in the India playing XI vs Namibia remains a strong possibility. For this India opener injury T20 World Cup 2026 scenario, he remains the safe choice.
Washington Sundar – The X-Factor Opener?
The more intriguing angle is Washington Sundar. The Washington Sundar injury update has been positive. Having recovered from a rib issue, he rejoined the squad and bowled at full intensity in training. While widely viewed as an allrounder option, Washington Sundar opener conversations have quietly resurfaced.
In domestic cricket, he has opened regularly, particularly for Tamil Nadu, but also in the TNPL. Across a span between 2018 and 2023, he scored 323 runs in 15 innings as an opener at a strike rate above 120. His ability to stabilise and accelerate makes him tactically flexible.
In a previous interview, Washington made his stance clear: he considers himself a top-order batter. That opens up a fascinating India opening combination today possibility, a left-field call that adds spin depth without weakening the batting.
The reason Washington might be considered is because when Abhishek is fit, there’s little room for Samson anyway, but Washington could be a potential contender for the rest of the tournament too even if not as an opener and giving him game-time against Namibia might not be the worst option.
So, could the Washington Sundar opener move materialise? It would certainly add a new dimension to the IND vs NAM playing XI.
India Playing XI vs Namibia – Likely Combination
India playing XI vs Namibia could hinge entirely on the Abhishek Sharma latest news today. It also depends on the latest Jasprit Bumrah injury update.
India Playing XI (if Abhishek Sharma plays):
Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
India Playing XI (if Abhishek Sharma doesn’t play):
Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson / Washington Sundar, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
Bumrah’s return strengthens the bowling unit, while Washington Sundar injury update clarity offers additional balance. The bigger puzzle remains the top order.
India have emphasised flexibility in the batting order, but the middle overs remain crucial. With power-hitters packed till No. 8, the need for an anchor between overs six and sixteen is vital.
If Abhishek Sharma plays today, India retain left-handed aggression. If not, Samson offers intent, while Washington provides control.
So, will Abhishek Sharma play today vs Namibia?
As things stand, he remains a doubt. The Abhishek Sharma injury situation has improved after discharge from hospital, but match fitness will determine whether he features in the India playing XI vs Namibia.
If he does not, the debate around who will open for India today intensifies. Sanju Samson is the logical replacement, but Washington Sundar’s return introduces an unexpected X-factor.
India vs Namibia team news may settle the answer soon, but until the toss, the question remains open.
- Is Abhishek Sharma injured? No confirmed injury has been reported by the team management.
- What is the issue? Abhishek Sharma was hospitalised with a stomach infection and has since been discharged. He is currently recovering from illness.
- Did he miss training? Yes, he was absent from India’s latest practice session ahead of the IND vs NAM match.
- Is Abhishek Sharma fit for IND vs NAM? He is not fully fit at the moment, though he has been discharged and is under observation.
- Will Abhishek Sharma play vs Namibia? His availability remains doubtful and will depend on a final medical assessment before the toss.
- Likely scenario: India could take a precautionary call and rest him if he does not recover fully in time. There is no major injury cloud hanging over Abhishek Sharma at the moment. The stomach infection appears temporary, and he is expected to return soon, potentially as early as the Pakistan clash if not the Namibia one.
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