New Delhi: Star opener Abhishek Sharma missed India’s training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, sparking concerns over his fitness. Abhishek was not present at the ground as the Indian players trained ahead of their second group-stage clash against Namibia in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.

In the absence of the left-hander, Sanju Samson was seen spending extra time batting in the nets. Samson was not part of India’s playing XI in their opening game against USA after Ishan Kishan replaced him as an opener. Kishan pipped Samson on the back of his brilliant show in the recently concluded T20I series against New Zealand at home.

Kishan too had an extended session in the nets, batting in pairs alongside Samson during India’s training session in Delhi. While Samson managed only 46 runs in five matches in the T20I series against New Zealand, Kishan smashed 215 runs in 4 matches to pip him for the opening slot in the T20 World Cup 2026.

India’s Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, and others during a training session ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Namibia, at Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (Photo: PTI)

Will Abhishek Sharma play against Namibia?

There is no official update on Abhishek’s participation in the Namibia game after he missed India’s training session in Delhi on Tuesday. The left-hander has some issues with his stomach, which led to him missing training. India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate said the team management is expecting Abhishek to be fit for the Namibia game.

“Abhishek still has a few issues with his stomach, but we’re hopeful he’ll be available for the game in two days’ time,” India’s assistant coach Ten Doeschate said in the pre-match presser on Tuesday.

India will lock horns with Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, February 12. Abhishek was part of India’s playing XI in their opener against USA. The left-hander was dismissed for a Golden Duck in the game. If he fails to make the cut in the playing XI for the Namibia clash, India might bring Samson back in the playing XI.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Washington Sundar, who recently recovered from an injury, also trained with the rest of his teammates under the lights in New Delhi. Sundar’s services might not be required anytime soon as India already have three all-rounders in Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube in their line-up at present.