India star Tilak Varma has provided important updates on the fitness of batter Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 game against Namibia on February 12, 2026, in Delhi. On the other hand, keeper-opener Ishan Kishan suffered an injury scare during batting practice.
India defeated the USA in their first match of the tournament in Mumbai on the opening day on February 7, while Namibia lost to the Netherlands in their tournament opener.
All the focus of this match will be on the Indian team and the combination they field against Namibia. The availability of opener Abhishek Sharma remains in doubt as he was hospitalized with viral fever and a stomach infection. Reports suggested that he was unwell before the USA game, where he scored a golden duck, and his condition worsened.
At the pre-match news conference in Delhi, Tilak stated that the squad is constantly monitoring Abhishek's condition and will make a decision on his availability based on how he feels in the lead-up to the game.
“When we reached Delhi, he (Abhishek) had been examined. He went to the hospital for the examination. So, I think he has been discharged today, and he’s doing well. We have got one more day for the game, so hopefully we’ll decide by tomorrow (Thursday) how he feels, and we’ll go with it," Tilak said, giving an update on Abhishek Sharma.
If he misses Thursday's match, Sanju Samson may be allowed to open the innings alongside Ishan Kishan.
Jasprit Bumrah is another player whose fitness is a source of concern for India, as he missed the match against the United States, but Mohammed Siraj performed admirably with the ball.
Tilak delivered a quick update on India's team plans, stating that Bumrah is fit and in contention but implying that the final playing lineup has still to be determined.
"Jasprit Bumrah is fit and available for tomorrow's game against Namibia. But we still have one more day to take a final call on the combination", Tilak added.
While Abhishek Sharma is recovering from his illness and Jasprit Bumrah has recovered, India got another headache, as Ishan Kishan was hit on his toe by Jasprit Bumrah and had to leave the field in pain.
Ishan is shown writhing on the ground in agony while physiotherapists examine him in several images that have gone viral online. Information that is now available indicates that Jasprit Bumrah's yorker, which crushed Ishan's toe, wounded him on Wednesday.
Ishan's injury has not yet received an official update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), but reporters at the Arun Jaitley Stadium say there is no need for concern.
Ishan had opened the innings for India against the USA and scored 20 in 16 balls. The Indian team management and fans will hope that Ishan remains fit and available for selection against Namibia.
(PTI inputs)
