T20 World Cup 2026: Major update on Abhishek Sharma’s availability for India vs Pakistan match. Varun Chakravarthy reveals
The Indian team secured a comprehensive 93-run victory over Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, in their second group stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With this victory, India once again reached the top of the table. India will now take on arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15. Ahead of this match, India’s senior spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, also shared his insight for the upcoming match against Pakistan. During a chat with Parthiv Patel, he was asked about Pakistan’s spin bowling strength ahead of the high-voltage match. In response, Varun said that Indian batters are also strong against spin, and we also have a good spin attack.
“Obviously, every game in the World Cup is very important. We are excited for it, and it will be a fun challenge. We are also strong against spin and have a good spin attack. I feel we have the edge over them. Although they are playing in similar conditions back-to-back and might have an advantage in that regard, I believe that as a group we have had the better of them and are well prepared,” Chakravarthy said.
Pakistan is playing all of their matches of this World Cup in Sri Lanka, where the pitch is favourable for spinners. Pakistan's team boasts spinners like Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq, who have performed well so far in this World Cup. The team also has Saim Ayub, who has contributed more with the ball than the bat in recent times. Especially Usman Tariq, who has a unique bowling action. His bowling action has become the talk of the cricketing fraternity, with the off-spinner possessing a notably wider release point than most bowlers.
Ahead of the match, India wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan also shared his thoughts on facing Usman Tariq. He said that the Indian batters would simply focus on the ball and look to hit it if it comes in their slot.
Varun Chakravarthy also shared Abhishek Sharma’s medical updates, stating he should be back in the team against Pakistan, which is a good positive sign for the Indian team. Abhishek missed the recent match against Namibia due to stomach pain and fever. However, he was at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and in the dugout. He has also resumed practice with the team.
"I think he will play the next match," Varun said after India beat Namibia to make it 10 wins on the trot in the T20 World Cups. "I don't know. As far as I have spoken to him, he looks good. He did some practice today. He said he is on the way."
Against Namibia, Sanju Samson played instead of Abhishek Sharma. Sanju scored 22 runs in 8 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six. He was looking very good; however, once again, he failed to convert his start into a big cricket score. During the toss, skipper Suryakumar Yadav also stated that Abhishek would miss one or two games. Well, Indian fans are praying for Abhishek's quick recovery, especially ahead of the big match against Pakistan.
