T20 World Cup: Opening batter Abhishek Sharma hospitalised, doubtful for Namibia match

India opener Abhishek Sharma is doubtful for Thursday’s T20 World Cup Group A match against Namibia after being admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi with a stomach infection.

The 25-year-old left-hander missed training at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday and remains under medical observation. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that Sharma is recovering from a stomach bug.

Sharma featured in India’s opening Group A match against the United States in Mumbai despite running a high fever and was dismissed for a duck. He did not take the field in the second innings due to illness as India secured a 29-run win.

With a high-profile clash against Pakistan scheduled for February 15 in Colombo and a subsequent game against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18 before the Super Eight stage, team management is unlikely to rush Sharma back to action.

His absence could pave the way for Sanju Samson to open alongside Ishan Kishan. Samson endured a lean run at the top of the order during India’s recent 4-1 home series win over New Zealand but spent considerable time batting with Kishan during Tuesday’s practice session.

India are set to hold another training session in Delhi on Wednesday before facing Namibia on Thursday evening.