Prolific Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised with an upset stomach ahead of the group match against Namibia at the T20 World Cup, a cricket board official said on Wednesday.
The explosive left-hander is key to India’s chances of defending their title at the 20-team tournament and is doubtful for the Group A fixture on Thursday in New Delhi.
The 25-year-old was admitted to a Delhi hospital on Tuesday after he missed training with a stomach issue he carried from the opener in Mumbai, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged the concern on Tuesday, saying the batsman had “still got a few issues with his tummy”.
“We hope that he’ll be available for the game in a few days’ time.”
Abhishek was out for a duck in India’s win over the United States but has been a strong performer in the lead-up to the tournament.
India play arch-rivals Pakistan in a blockbuster on Sunday.
On Monday, the Pakistani government announced it was withdrawing its decision to boycott the match with India, which had been taken previously in the wake of Bangladesh’s replacement by Scotland in the tournament, following their refusal to tour India.
Pakistan’s decision to move forward with the much-anticipated game came after protracted negotiations between the ICC and the cricket boards of Pakistan and Bangladesh, consultations among national leaders, and interventions by friendly nations such as Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
