The cricketing world was left holding its breath when news broke that India’s explosive opener, Abhishek Sharma, had been hospitalized with a severe stomach infection. The timing couldn’t have been worse, just days before the most anticipated match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: India vs Pakistan in Colombo. Now, with Sharma discharged and giving updates, fans are desperate for one answer: Will Abhishek Sharma play vs Pakistan?
Abhishek Sharma was forced to sit out India’s match against Namibia after being rushed to the hospital. Reports confirmed he was suffering from a serious stomach infection that led to significant weight loss—reportedly around 2 kilograms [[6]]. This was a massive blow to the Indian camp, as Sharma has been in scintillating form, entering the tournament as the world’s No. 1 ranked T20I batter [[28]]. His absence was felt, and the team management was understandably cautious, prioritizing his long-term health over a single game.
The good news is that Abhishek has been discharged from the hospital and is on the mend. In a video update, he provided a positive message to fans, confirming his recovery is on track [[1]]. However, being out of the hospital is just the first step. The real question is whether he can regain his strength, match fitness, and explosive power in time for the colossal clash against Pakistan.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, February 15th, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo [[9]]. This gives him less than 24 hours to prove his fitness to the team management. It’s a classic race against time, and every training session will be scrutinized.
Abhishek Sharma isn’t just another batter; he’s a game-changer. His ability to take the game away from the opposition in the powerplay is unparalleled. Legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar has even compared his fear factor to that of Viv Richards in the 80s [[23]]. In a high-stakes, emotionally charged game like India vs Pakistan, having a player who can absorb pressure and counter-attack is invaluable.
His recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. Before the illness, he was on a tear, with a strike rate well over 190 in T20Is [[27]]. His presence at the top of the order allows other batters like Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant to play their natural games without the burden of a slow start. For more on India’s batting lineup, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20-world-cup-2026-squad-analysis].
The cricketing fraternity is divided. Some believe that even if he’s at 80% fitness, his sheer talent and X-factor make him a must-pick for such a crucial encounter. Others argue that rushing him back could risk a relapse or, worse, an injury during the match, which would be disastrous for India’s entire campaign.
Pakistani legend Wasim Akram recently commented on Sharma’s style, calling him a ‘slogger,’ which only adds more fuel to the fire [[28]]. This narrative makes his potential return even more compelling—he’d have a point to prove on the biggest stage.
While there’s no official confirmation yet, all signs point towards a late fitness test on the morning of the match. The Indian team management, known for its meticulous planning, will leave no stone unturned. Given his importance to the side and his own positive attitude, it’s highly likely that Abhishek Sharma will be named in the playing XI for the Abhishek Sharma vs Pakistan showdown. However, his role might be managed carefully in the initial overs until he finds his rhythm.
One thing is for sure: his presence, whether he bats or not, will be a massive psychological boost for the team and its millions of fans. The R. Premadasa Stadium is set for an unforgettable night of cricket.
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