The Indian cricket team has faced a sudden health crisis amid the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Star opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalized with a stomach infection. According to reports, the left-handed batsman's health was poor before India's final group stage match against the United States, but his condition worsened after the match.
Abhishek Sharma had a high fever and required immediate relief from a drip. Therefore, he was unable to join the team's practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Abhishek's availability is still uncertain given the upcoming crucial matches against Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. If the medical team decides to rest him to avoid further complications, the selectors may have to find a replacement.
If Abhishek Sharma is out, who can replace him?
1. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill's exclusion from India's T20 World Cup squad raised many questions, especially because he was the vice-captain of the T20 International team before the tournament. The selectors took a different approach, appointing a new vice-captain and excluding Gill from the team altogether.
If Abhishek Sharma is dropped, Gill could be recalled as a versatile batting option. Although Gill is primarily known as a top-order batsman, he began his T20 career in the middle order and has shown the ability to adapt to all positions. Since his T20 debut in 2018, Gill has scored 5,412 runs in 175 T20 matches, demonstrating his consistency and skill. His technique and patience could strengthen India's batting lineup.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal is also considered the most natural replacement for Abhishek Sharma. Like Abhishek, Jaiswal is an aggressive left-handed opening batsman capable of turning matches in the powerplay. Although he hasn't played a T20 International since Gautam Gambhir's first T20 series as India's head coach against Sri Lanka in 2014, his statistics speak for themselves.
Yashasvi Jaiswal In 23 T20 matches, Jaiswal has scored 723 runs at an impressive strike rate of 164.31, including a memorable century. His fearless attitude, ability to dominate bowlers, and mastery of playing in high-pressure environments make him a strong contender for a place in the playing 11.
3. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer may not have been a regular in India's T20 International team recently, but his successes make him a strong contender. The captain, who will win the IPL in 2024, last played a T20 International in December 2023, after which he disappeared from the selectors' sights in this format.
However, Iyer brings with him a calm demeanor, leadership qualities, and the ability to perform brilliantly in big matches—qualities that could prove crucial in the high-pressure World Cup environment. He also had the opportunity to play in place of Tilak Varma in the T20 series against New Zealand earlier this year, suggesting he still has the potential to be a part of the team. If India prioritizes stability and experience in the middle order, Iyer's selection could be an unwanted but wise move.
Also Read: Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026
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