Opening batter Abhishek Sharma hit the nets at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on the eve of the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan clash on Sunday, February 15. This was the first time that Abhishek was spotted batting after getting discharged from the hospital following food poisoning that had also kept him away from taking part in the game against Namibia.
There are serious questions doing the rounds regarding Abhishek’s availability for the marquee encounter against the arch-rivals. However, a sublime batting session in the nets is all it took for the opener to pass on a message to the countless fans waiting to know the answer. If the current No. 1-ranked T20I batter indeed gets a go on Sunday, it will be a huge boost for the defending champions.
The Pakistani dressing room, meanwhile, is also wary of the threat that Abhishek’s presence at the crease poses to their chances in the all-important match. However, they want the Chandigarh-born to take the field in Colombo, which could help them compete against the strongest line-up that the Men in Blue have to offer.
“I really hope Abhishek Sharma will play tomorrow. He is a good player, and we want to play against the best team they have. Really hope he’s recovering well and can play,” Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said at the pre-match press conference, just hours before the Indian unit entered the nets.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav responded in kind.
“Well, if the Pakistan captain wants to see Abhishek bat, then okay we will play him.”
If Abhishek comes, Sanju Samson will naturally have to vacate the spot at the top of the order. Samson enjoyed a brisk outing of 22 runs laced with three sixes before his stay was abruptly ended on the eighth ball. The Indian fans will be expecting far better than Samson from Abhishek’s bat in a mouthwatering contest on Sunday.
India’s likely Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy
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