Abhishek Sharma did not take the field in the second innings: India started their T20 World Cup 2026 with a win against the USA, on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium. The Men in Blue did not have the start they needed, losing out to Abhishek Sharma in the second over, and were struggling for 46/4 at one stage.
Suryakumar Yadav’s experience came to the rescue, as the team India captain played a knock of 83 runs off 49 balls, helping India to post a defendable total of 161 runs. The Men in Blue bowlers did the rest, restricting the USA side to just 132/8 and winning the game. After the first game, there are lots of places that India needs to work on in their batting.
Abhishek Sharma did not have the best starts
Abhishek, who has been in brilliant form since he started off this T20 World Cup campaign, faltered and went back to the pavilion without scoring on the very first delivery he faced. He was caught at deep extra cover while playing the inside out on the ball of Ali Khan. He was there in the field for the initial stages of the game.
The absence of Abhishek Sharma raised questions about whether he is fit or if something happened to him or not. Suryakumar Yadav, during the post-match interaction, provided an update on the flamboyant left-handed batter. Surya said that Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are still unwell. The tension rises over whether India will be able to field in their next game against Namibia on 12th February.
Abhishek is suffering from stomach upset
Suryakumar Yadav said, "Bumrah, he was having high fever due to because of weather, like how Abhishek was under the weather." India will be keen on the return of both Bumrah and Abhishek ahead of their next game on Thursday.
Mohammed Siraj, who had a brilliant night after being added as a replacement for injured Harshit Rana at the very last moment. The speedster picked three wickets on his return. Siraj further gave clarity on Abhishek Sharma, saying that Abhishek Sharma had stomach upset. "Everything is fine. His stomach was a little upset, so he didn't come out to field. He'll be back in the next match and show his magic with the bat," said Siraj.
India to play with high risk approach?
India has already been suffering from injury problems, as Harshit Rana was ruled out after picking up a knee injury during the warm-up game against South Africa. Washington Sundar has also been working on his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, but has not fully recovered from the rib injury he suffered during the India vs New Zealand ODI Series.
Suryakumar Yadav gave a latest update on Sundar that he will be joining the side in Delhi ahead of the next game and has recovered. The Men in Blue will not want any more injuries ahead of their next game. India adopted a high-risk, high-reward approach, which backfired against the USA. It will be interesting to watch if they continue with the same approach ahead in the competition.
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