Abhishek Sharma, Bumrah, and now Ishan Kishan: Latest injury update before Namibia and all-important Pakistan T20 match

India have a fitness watch going on ahead of their ICC T20 World Cup match against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with updates emerging on Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Ishan Kishan. Abhishek has been discharged from hospital after a stomach infection, Bumrah is “absolutely fine” according to Tilak Varma, and Ishan has shaken off a brief injury scare in the nets. Final calls will be taken closer to match time, especially with the Pakistan clash coming up next.

Abhishek out of hospital, decision today

Abhishek Sharma had missed training earlier this week after suffering a stomach infection and was hospitalised for examination. His absence raised questions over his availability for the Namibia game.

Tilak Varma provided clarity at the pre-match press conference.


“When we reached Delhi, he (Abhishek) went to the hospital for the examination. I think he was discharged today, and he is doing well. We have got one more day for the game. Hopefully, we will decide by tomorrow how he feels, and we will go with it,” Tilak said.

The team management now has to decide whether to field him against Namibia or preserve him for Sunday’s high-voltage match against Pakistan.

Will India play safe before Pakistan?

With Pakistan up next, India may avoid taking risks. Sanju Samson has gone through two days of rigorous batting sessions at the Kotla and remains an option at the top of the order.

If Abhishek does not feel fully fit, Samson could partner Ishan Kishan as opener.

The timing makes the call tricky. Namibia comes first, but Pakistan looms large.

Ishan Kishan’s injury scare

During practice, Ishan Kishan faced a tense moment when a Jasprit Bumrah yorker struck his left foot. He walked out of the nets and removed his pads and shoes for a medical check.

However, the concern eased quickly. Ishan returned to bat after about 10 minutes and appeared pain-free.

Bumrah likely to return

Jasprit Bumrah, who missed India’s campaign opener against the USA, is also in focus. Tilak sounded confident about the pacer’s return.

“He (Bumrah) is absolutely fine now. He is doing better. As I said, we have got one more day. Hopefully, he will be back in the team. If he is doing better, the team will take a call. I think he will be back tomorrow for the second game,” he added.

India’s camp has reasons to relax but not fully switch off. Abhishek is recovering, Bumrah is improving, and Ishan has avoided a setback.

All eyes are now on match day morning. Namibia is next. Pakistan is around the corner.