India’s Abhishek Sharma Hospitalised with Stomach Infection, Availability for Namibia Clash in Doubt

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026: Indian men’s cricket team opener Abhishek Sharma has been admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi after being diagnosed with a stomach infection, raising serious questions about his availability for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Namibia on Thursday, February 12.

The 25-year-old left-handed batter, a key top-order asset in the Indian batting lineup, was admitted on Monday after falling ill. Medical tests are underway to determine the severity of the infection and assess his readiness for competitive action. A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source told PTI that while some investigations have been completed, it is not yet clear if he can be discharged in time, and his participation in the Namibia game “looks doubtful”.

Sharma was already struggling with stomach discomfort before and during India’s opening T20 World Cup fixture against the United States, where he was dismissed for a first-ball duck and did not take the field in the second innings. He also missed training at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday as his condition was monitored.

Team management cautious but optimistic:
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged Sharma’s ongoing “stomach issues” at a pre-match press briefing, emphasizing that the team is “waiting on Abhi’s fitness” and will make decisions based on medical reports closer to game time.

With the Namibia fixture uncertain, team strategy adjustments are likely. Backup players such as Sanju Samson have been preparing as alternatives should Sharma be unavailable.

Looking ahead – Pakistan fixture remains priority:
While the immediate focus is on the Namibia game, India’s management is also mindful of the high-profile encounter against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. Sources within the camp have stressed the importance of ensuring Sharma’s full recovery and fitness ahead of that marquee fixture.

At this stage, the priority remains Sharma’s health and recovery, with full fitness assessments expected over the next 24–48 hours before a final call on his participation in World Cup matches