In a boost for the defending champions, India received encouraging fitness updates on key players Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah ahead of their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against Namibia.
Teammate Tilak Varma addressed the media on the eve of the clash, revealing that opener Abhishek Sharma has been discharged from the hospital after being admitted for a stomach infection and fever upon the team’s arrival in New Delhi.
“When we reached Delhi, Abhishek needed examinations,” Varma told reporters. “So all that went fine, he has been discharged from the hospital today. We have got one more day left before the game tomorrow, so we will decide by tomorrow, check how he feels and then take a call.”
Sharma, an integral member of India’s T20I side, featured in the lineup for their opening game against the USA in Mumbai, where the co-hosts secured a convincing 29-run victory to kick off their title defence.
Meanwhile, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has fully recovered from his recent illness and is set to return to action. Bumrah, one of India’s most successful T20I bowlers with 107 wickets to his name, participated in practice sessions with the team on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“He is doing better, and as I said, we have got one more day. So, hopefully, he will be back in the team. If he is doing better, then the team takes a call, and I think he will be back tomorrow for the second game,” Varma said about Bumrah.
Co-hosts India, aiming to defend their T20 World Cup title, are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. With a strong start under their belt, the two-time winners will look to maintain momentum in what promises to be an exciting tournament.
The final call on Sharma’s participation will be made closer to the match, ensuring the team fields its strongest possible XI against Namibia.
