Abhishek Sharma Hospitalised With Stomach Infection, Doubtful for Namibia Clash

India opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised in Delhi due to a stomach infection, casting serious doubt over his availability for India’s upcoming T20 World Cup fixture against Namibia on Thursday.

According to a PTI report on Wednesday morning, Abhishek has been admitted to a private hospital in the capital for the past two days. A source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that medical tests are currently being conducted to determine the exact nature of the illness.

“Abhishek has been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi due to a stomach infection,” a BCCI source said. “Some tests are being done to ascertain the problem. It is still not clear whether he will be discharged today. But the match against Namibia looks doubtful as of now.”

Concerns over Abhishek’s health first emerged during India’s opening game of the tournament against the USA in Mumbai. After being dismissed for a first-ball duck, the left-handed batter did not take the field during the USA’s unsuccessful chase. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate later revealed that the 23-year-old was dealing with a stomach bug.

“Abhi still has got a few issues with his tummy,” ten Doeschate had said. “We are hopeful that he'll be available for the game in two days' time.”

If Abhishek fails to recover in time, India may consider reshuffling their top order. Sanju Samson remains an option to partner at the top, especially after Ishan Kishan replaced him as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter following a lean run against New Zealand last month.

“We're waiting on Abhi's fitness more than anything and that'll open up, again, a few different combinations,” ten Doeschate added during the press conference.

In positive news for the Indian camp, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is set to return for the Namibia encounter after missing the opening match due to illness. Bumrah trained at full intensity in Delhi on Tuesday, bowling at full tilt in the nets.

Allrounder Washington Sundar has also rejoined the squad after recovering from a side strain sustained during the New Zealand series. He participated fully in training on Tuesday, contributing with both ball and bat.

India will be hoping for a swift recovery for Abhishek as they look to maintain momentum in the tournament, while bolstering their lineup with the expected returns of Bumrah and Sundar.