Abhishek doubtful as India face Pakistan in high voltage T20 World Cup clash tomorrow

The countdown is over and the spotlight is firmly on cricket’s most intense rivalry as the India national cricket team take on the Pakistan national cricket team in their high-stakes T20 World Cup group clash tomorrow, a fixture that routinely brings the tournament to a standstill.

India head into the contest with a settled core and strong momentum. The squad, officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India , is led by Suryakumar Yadav and features a balanced mix of power hitters, all-rounders, and specialist bowlers. The batting unit includes aggressive options like Sanju Samson , Tilak Varma , and Rinku Singh , while the bowling attack is spearheaded by pace ace Jasprit Bumrah , Arshdeep Singh , and Kuldeep Yadav .

However, uncertainty surrounds the playing XI due to a fitness concern. Explosive opener Abhishek Sharma , India’s game-changer at the top of the order, is recovering from a stomach infection and may miss the crucial encounter. He was hospitalized earlier this week with high fever and abdominal pain, and although discharged, he has not fully regained strength. Skipping recent training sessions, Abhishek is still feeling weak, with slight weight loss affecting his readiness. “Abhishek isn’t fine still, might take one or two games,” Suryakumar admitted, highlighting that his availability is touch and go.

Adding to the tactical discussions, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar expects leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav to come in for Arshdeep Singh . Arshdeep struggled against Namibia in India’s 93-run win on Thursday, failing to complete his full quota of overs. “Sri Lanka pitches help spinners, and India have a history of playing three spinners. Expect Kuldeep in the XI against Pakistan in Colombo,” Gavaskar said. He also noted that Sanju Samson , who replaced Abhishek, showed promise with his eight-ball 22 that included three sixes but needs to improve his deep-crease technique if he opens against Pakistan.

If Abhishek is ruled out, India may have to reshuffle their top-order, a scenario the management would prefer to avoid against a disciplined Pakistan attack. In a contest where early momentum often decides the outcome, even one missing piece can tilt the balance. Still, with pride, pressure, and two vital points on the line, India will look to trust their depth and experience as another chapter of this storied rivalry unfolds tomorrow.

Squads:

India:

Led by Suryakumar Yadav (captain), the squad includes Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma, and Mohammed Siraj.

Pakistan:

Captained by Salman Agha, the side features Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Salman Mirza, and Usman Tariq, giving them a balanced mix of experienced batters and a strong pace attack.