Why Abhishek Sharma is Not Playing Today in IND vs NAM T20 World Cup 2026?

India face Namibia in a Group A encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. India comes into the contest with a clear edge on paper, having a formidable batting unit led by Suryakumar Yadav.

Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus has won the toss and opted to field first. He will rely on their multiple all-rounders to stay competitive against one of the best T20 teams in the world. The Men in Blue have made a few changes in their lineup as Abhishek Sharma won't feature for the team in this clash.

Why Abhishek Sharma is Not Playing Today in IND vs NAM T20 World Cup 2026?

India will be without opener Abhishek Sharma for their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against Namibia in New Delhi on February 12. The left-hander has been ruled out after being hospitalised with a stomach infection, which also forced him to miss India’s training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium earlier in the week.

Abhishek had been battling illness even before the opening match against the USA, where he was dismissed for a duck and did not take the field later in the game. Sanju Samson has been drafted as Abhishek Sharma replacement in the playing XI, providing India with an explosive option at the top of the order.