India received a timely boost ahead of its high-voltage clash against Pakistan in Match 27 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The game will take place at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. IST (8:30 a.m. EST).
Speaking to the media a day before the highly anticipated game, Captain Suryakumar Yadav shared a positive update on opener Abhishek Sharma, putting to rest concerns over his recent illness.
«If Pak wants us to play Abhishek, then done. He will play tomorrow,» Yadav said, via anchor Nikhil Naz’s post on X.
Yadav’s light remark comes ahead of one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
Sharma had been hospitalized with a stomach infection earlier in the tournament, casting doubt over his availability. He was discharged after medical checks, and team management monitored his recovery closely. Now cleared to play, his return strengthens India’s top order at a crucial stage.
The left-hander has emerged as one of India’s most explosive batters in T20 cricket. In 39 T20 Internationals, he has scored 1,297 runs at a strike rate of 194.45, including two centuries and eight fifties.
Sharma’s power-hitting stands out, with 123 fours and 88 sixes. Across all T20 matches, he has crossed 5,100 runs at a strike rate above 173, while also contributing useful left-arm spin.
The fans lit up the stands during India’s #T20WorldCup clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi@icc / Instagram
The fans lit up the stands during India’s #T20WorldCup clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi@icc / Instagram (@icc / Instagram)
India holds a clear edge in head-to-head T20 World Cup meetings, winning seven of eight matches against Pakistan.
With Sharma fit, India will look to continue that dominance under the Colombo lights in what promises to be a high-pressure contest.
Related: ICC Under Fire Over Hanumankind Performance Decision Before India-Pakistan Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cricket section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.