New Delhi | 14 Feb 2026

Ahead of the high-voltage T20 World Cup Group A match between India and Pakistan in Colombo, one of the biggest talking points has been the fitness of young opener Abhishek Sharma. The left-hander missed India’s previous game against Namibia after being hospitalised due to fever and a stomach infection. At the toss of that match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had hinted that Abhishek might need “a game or two” to fully recover, raising doubts over his availability against Pakistan as well.

Adding an interesting twist before the much-awaited contest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said he wanted Abhishek to play, stressing that his team prefers competing against the strongest possible opposition. The Indian batter had troubled Pakistan during the Asia Cup last year with key runs in the group stage and Super 6 matches, although he fell short in the final. Speaking ahead of the match, Agha said, “I really hope – we all know he's a good player and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have, and I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow.”

When this remark was put to Suryakumar Yadav during the pre-match media interaction, the Indian skipper responded in a light-hearted manner. “Chalo theek hai. If the Pakistan captain wants us to play him tomorrow, we will do so. Done,” he said, drawing smiles and easing the tension around Abhishek’s fitness. While the comment was made in jest, the final call on Abhishek’s inclusion will depend on his recovery and the medical team’s assessment.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar also spoke about Pakistan’s spinner Usman Tariq, who is being seen as a potential X-factor in the match. His unusual bowling action has been under the scanner since the tournament began, and India will be facing him for the first time. Addressing the challenge, Suryakumar said, “In every exam, there comes a question which seems out of the syllabus. We don't have the option of leaving that question. You have to try something. Yes, he is a different character, but we cannot surrender. We obviously practice, and we will try to execute our plans.”

Pakistan Captain Backs Abhishek Sharma’s Return, Suryakumar Yadav Responds with a Smile Ahead of Big Clash

Ahead of the high-voltage T20 World Cup Group A match between India and Pakistan in Colombo, one of the biggest talking points has been the fitness of young opener Abhishek Sharma. The left-hander missed India’s previous game against Namibia after being hospitalised due to fever and a stomach infection. At the toss of that match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had hinted that Abhishek might need “a game or two” to fully recover, raising doubts over his availability against Pakistan as well.

Adding an interesting twist before the much-awaited contest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said he wanted Abhishek to play, stressing that his team prefers competing against the strongest possible opposition. The Indian batter had troubled Pakistan during the Asia Cup last year with key runs in the group stage and Super 6 matches, although he fell short in the final. Speaking ahead of the match, Agha said, “I really hope – we all know he's a good player and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have, and I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow.”

When this remark was put to Suryakumar Yadav during the pre-match media interaction, the Indian skipper responded in a light-hearted manner. “Chalo theek hai. If the Pakistan captain wants us to play him tomorrow, we will do so. Done,” he said, drawing smiles and easing the tension around Abhishek’s fitness. While the comment was made in jest, the final call on Abhishek’s inclusion will depend on his recovery and the medical team’s assessment.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar also spoke about Pakistan’s spinner Usman Tariq, who is being seen as a potential X-factor in the match. His unusual bowling action has been under the scanner since the tournament began, and India will be facing him for the first time. Addressing the challenge, Suryakumar said, “In every exam, there comes a question which seems out of the syllabus. We don't have the option of leaving that question. You have to try something. Yes, he is a different character, but we cannot surrender. We obviously practice, and we will try to execute our plans.”