Abhishek Sharma travels to Colombo ahead of Pakistan match: The India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match is just one sleep away. The teams gear up for the mega clash. After weeks of drama, Pakistan finally agreed to take the field against their arch-rivals India on 15th February. Both teams have won two games and are looking in good form. India is top of the table due to their higher net run rate.

Ahead of the game, Abhishek Sharma, who has been suffering from a stomach issue, travelled to Sri Lanka on Saturday. The Men in Blue opener did not take the field against the USA in the first game, and also did not participate in the second game against Namibia.

Abhishek Sharma is still being assessed

According to a PTI report, Abhishek's participation in the high-voltage encounter against Pakistan depends on his recovery from the stomach problem. It has been believed that Suyrakumar Yadav’s side has a net session scheduled in Colombo on Saturday evening. Abhishek Sharma’s fitness will be examined before making a final decision on his participation in the India-Pakistan match.

India’s win against Namibia brought a major health update from the World No. 1 T20I batter. In a video uploaded by pacer Arshdeep Singh, he was asked about his health, weight loss, and diet. He replied that he has lost 2 kg and is following a strict diet, living on rice and dal. Abhishek Sharma was hospitalised after feeling unwell at Gautam Gambhir’s dinner party in Delhi.

India will not risk their best batter

Abhishek Sharma did not have the best start to his T20 World Cup campaign, being dismissed for a duck in the very first game. However, the No.1 T20 batter has been in incredible form in the shortest format of the game post the 2024 T20 World Cup. India is not going to take any risk for their best batter just for one match.

The team India management would want their batter to be fit for the Super 8s and further for the knockout stages of the game. Abhishek had a good record against Pakistan, scoring one fifty in the three games he featured against the Men in Green. However, his impact of striking the ball at a blistering pace makes the bowlers keep guessing.

How could India line up against Pakistan?

Sanju Samson will be opening the innings if Abhishek Sharma is not fully fit against Salman Ali Agha’s side. The former also did in the game against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. Sanju looked in good touch, scoring 22 off 8 deliveries; however, he could not convert his start into a big score.

India might bring in two changes, going for a change in the bowling combination. Arshdeep Singh might miss out on making a way for Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar would be added for Rinku Singh, given that the conditions in Colombo will suit spinners and have long square boundaries.

However, the final decision will be taken during the toss, assessing the conditions and the weather as well. There has been a rain prediction on Sunday at 6 PM local time, which might affect the game.