World No. 1 Under Observation: Abhishek Sharma Hospitalised Ahead of T20 World Cup Marquee Clashes

India’s T20 World Cup campaign has hit a major medical roadblock. On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, reports confirmed that flamboyant opener Abhishek Sharma remains under close observation at a private hospital in New Delhi. The 25-year-old, who has redefined aggressive opening in the shortest format, is battling a severe stomach bug that has seen him sidelined from training just as the tournament reaches its first peak.

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While assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate initially expressed optimism, the reality of hospitalisation suggests a recovery timeline that could disrupt India’s top-order stability for the coming week.

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A “Golden Duck” and a Growing Fever: The Timeline

The signs of illness were visible as early as February 7 during India’s victory over the USA at the Wankhede Stadium.

• The USA Game: Abhishek was dismissed for a golden duck and notably did not take the field during the second innings, with Sanju Samson stepping in as a substitute fielder.

• The Gambhir Dinner: He attended a team dinner at Head Coach Gautam Gambhir’s residence on Sunday but reportedly left early as his condition worsened.

• Hospitalisation: By Monday evening, he was admitted to a facility in Delhi to be administered intravenous fluids (drips) to combat dehydration and high temperature.

Medical Update: Why the BCCI is Not Rushing Him

A BCCI source told PTI that while the infection is non-surgical, the physical toll on a high-intensity athlete is significant.

“Abhi is battling a tummy issue and viral symptoms. He was dehydrated after playing with fever against the USA. The goal is to get him to Colombo at 100% rather than risking a relapse in Delhi.”

The medical team is expected to decide on his travel clearance by Friday morning, following another round of blood tests to ensure his inflammation markers have subsided.

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The Replacement: Sanju Samson’s Unexpected Opportunity

With Abhishek virtually ruled out for the Namibia game on February 12, the spotlight shifts to Sanju Samson.

• The Opening Slot: Samson was seen batting for an extended period alongside Ishan Kishan during Tuesday’s practice session.

• Form Concerns: Samson has struggled recently, averaging just 9.20 in the previous series against New Zealand. This tournament lifeline represents a “now or never” moment for the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter to reclaim his spot in the XI.

The “Pak-Slayer” Stats: Why India Needs Abhishek Fit

The concern in the Indian camp isn’t just about the Namibia match; it’s about the massive psychological advantage Abhishek holds over Pakistan.

1. Asia Cup Dominance: Abhishek smashed 110 runs in 3 matches against Pakistan in 2025 at a strike rate of nearly 190.

2. Current Form: In 2026 alone, he has maintained a strike rate of 245.94, making him the primary weapon against a Pakistani pace attack that traditionally thrives on early wickets.

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[ABHISHEK SHARMA: T20I CAREER SNAPSHOT – FEB 2026]

Next Steps

To stay informed on whether Abhishek Sharma makes the flight to Colombo, you should follow the BCCI’s official injury bulletin expected on Thursday evening. Furthermore, if you are a fantasy cricket player, you might want to consider replacing Abhishek with Sanju Samson for the Namibia fixture, as the team management is unlikely to risk their World No. 1 against a lower-ranked side.

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