Abhishek Doubtful For Pakistan Showdown?

Abhishek Sharma remains a doubtful starter for India's massive T20 World Cup group game against Pakistan, after recovering from a stomach infection and missing training and the match against Namibia in Delhi on Thursday.

IMAGE: Abhishek Sharma's readiness for the match against Pakistan will be determined only once his training session kicks off in Colombo. Photograph: BCCI

India's game-changing opener Abhishek Sharma might have been released from the hospital but a cloud of uncertainty hovers over his participation in the important T20 World Cup group league fixture against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15.

Key Points

India opener Abhishek Sharma remains doubtful for the February 15 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan.
He was hospitalised earlier this week due to a stomach infection and high fever.
Though discharged from a Delhi hospital, he skipped training at the Kotla as he still feels weak.
The illness has reportedly led to some weight loss and reduced stamina.

Abhishek, who is recuperating from a stomach infection-related problem, had to be hospitalised for a couple days after complaining of high fever and stomach pain.

He was released from a Delhi hospital on Wednesday but on Thursday, as the Indian team went through the motions at the Kotla, Abhishek didn't train as he was still feeling a bit weak.

There has been a bit of weight loss too and in case of severe stomach infection, one takes some time to recover and gain the strength and endurance to play top-flight cricket.

"Abhishek isn't fine still, might take one or two games," skipper Suryakumar Yadav dropped enough hints that the he could be a doubtful starter for the Pakistan game.

It is understood that his training session in Colombo ahead of the Pakistan game, will be an indicator as to how he is shaping up. If he bats for a long duration like he normally does during routine nets, then it might be considered that he is good to go.

During the past year if one has tracked the India net sessions, Abhishek takes multiple turns to bat and in a three-hour session, he bats anywhere between 75 to 90 minutes.

'Abhishek 'looks good' to play against Pakistan'

Meanwhile, India spinner Varun Chakravarthy provided an update on Abhishek's health and said he looks good to play the marquee T20 clash against Pakistan.

"As far as I have spoken to him, he looks good. He did some practice today also. He told me he is on the way," said Chakravarthy, who starred with the ball in the win over Namibia in New Delhi.

Sanju Samson opened alongside Ishan Kishan in Abhishek's absence.