With Team India all geared up for this crucial IND vs NAM T20 World Cup 2026 fixture in Delhi, doubts persist over the availability of two key players, Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah.
With India on a brief tour break-ahead of the match, there were question marks over the fitness of both. Here’s the latest update ahead of the high-voltage clash.
Fitness Update Ahead of IND vs NAM Clash
India’s preparations for the IND vs NAM match took a brief backseat due to health concerns involving Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. Jasprit Bumrah was said to be not in good health. Abhishek Sharma needs to be medically examined upon arrival in Delhi. However, there is good news for Indian fans.
Abhishek Sharma to Play IND vs NAM?
Indian batsman Tilak Varma, meanwhile spoke to the media as well as informed about the fitness of Abhishek Sharma.
According to Tilak:
- Abhishek was taken for a checkup to a Delhi hospital.
- He has since then been discharged.
- He is doing well.
The final decision would be taken based on how he feels before the match.
The good news is that India still have one more day going into the IND vs NAM fixture, which gives the team management some time to assess Abhishek Sharma’s match readiness.
What Happened Earlier?
Abhishek Sharma batted in India’s opening match on February 7. He did, however, not take the field in the second innings, which brings in the fitness concerns. The expectation is that he will walk back into that position as opener if he ever regains full fitness.
Jasprit Bumrah Available for Selection?
Fortunately, there is good news for India’s pace mainstay. A confirmation from Tilak Varma on the availability of Jasprit Bumrah for the IND vs NAM match has been received, but a final decision on the playing combinations will be made by the team management before the match.
In the absence of Bumrah in the last game, Mohammed Siraj took his place. The inclusion of Bumrah, if declared fit, would be a major boost to India’s bowling lineup.
Who Replaces Abhishek Sharma If He Misses Out?
In case Abhishek Sharma is unable to recover for India vs NAM, India might consider some alterations to their opening pair.
The likely scenario:
- Sanju Samson may be recalled as an opening batsman.
- He might open with Ishan Kishan too.
India will want their strongest possible side to be on the field, considering they have a blockbuster match against Pakistan scheduled on February 15, immediately following this match.
IND vs NAM: What to Expect?
The fact that Jasprit Bumrah might be available and Abhishek Sharma seems to be recovering well from the injury suggests that India may be cautiously optimistic as they get ready to face NAM at the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
The final team selection is dependent on:
- Abhishek Sharma’s fitness assessment
- Team combination strategy
- Managing workload before bigger fixtures
- A better picture can be expected at the toss, and as of now, both players are still in the running.
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