Injury jolt for India! Abhishek Sharma might not play against Pakistan

NEW DELHI: Team India has been rocked by a massive setback just days before its blockbuster showdown with Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Explosive opener Abhishek Sharma is battling a stomach infection, casting serious doubt over his availability for Sunday’s Group A decider in Colombo.

FROM NETS TO NIGHTMARE

Trouble began after a net session in Mumbai on February 6, when Abhishek reportedly fell ill after eating something that didn’t sit right. Though he pushed through the discomfort to feature in India’s clash against the United States, the illness clearly took its toll – he was dismissed for a first-ball duck and looked far from his destructive best.

The situation worsened when the squad travelled to New Delhi for the Namibia fixture. Abhishek’s infection intensified, forcing a hospital admission. He was discharged on Thursday, but team management chose not to risk him against Namibia.

CAPTAIN RAISES RED FLAG

At the toss before the Namibia game, India skipper Surya Kumariyadev admitted that the opener was “not fully fit” and hinted he could miss one or two more matches. That statement has only deepened concerns about his chances of featuring in the much-anticipated India-Pakistan face-off.

COUNTDOWN TO THE BIG ONE

India take on Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo – a contest already billed as the biggest clash of Group A. With both sides eyeing dominance and momentum heading into the knockout stages, the absence of a power-hitter like Abhishek at the top could significantly alter India’s game plan.

Fans are now anxiously awaiting medical updates as the clock ticks down. Will Abhishek recover in time for cricket’s fiercest rivalry, or will India be forced into a last-minute reshuffle?

One thing is certain: the drama has already begun, and the first ball hasn’t even been bowled.