Team India’s injury woes continue to haunt them in the ongoing T20 World Cup. While the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has provided a much-needed boost, the sudden illness of opener Abhishek Sharma has sent the team management into a huddle. Abhishek, who looked uncomfortable during the Wankhede clash, missed Thursday’s practice session due to a stomach ailment.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that while they are hopeful, Abhishek’s participation remains uncertain. If he fails the fitness test, India might deploy a new opening pair of Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson. On the bowling front, Bumrah’s return is likely to reshuffle the attack. Despite Arshdeep and Siraj’s decent outing against the USA, coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to lean towards the Bumrah-Siraj duo. Washington Sundar is also back in contention after recovering from his injury.

While Namibia is the immediate opponent, Gambhir and Captain Surya are eyeing the high-stakes battle against Pakistan. Following Pakistan’s recent “boycott” controversy, the atmosphere is electric. After the top-order collapse against the USA, Gambhir is desperate for a clinical performance from his batters to ensure India heads into the Pakistan clash with momentum and two crucial points in the bag.