New Delhi: Abhishek Sharma looks good to play the marquee T20 clash against Pakistan, said India spinner Varun Chakravarthy on Thursday.
“As far as I have spoken to him, he looks good, he did some practice today also. He told me he is on the way,” said Chakravarthy, who starred with the ball in the win over Namibia here.
India plays arch-rival Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday.
However, in what was a positive sign for India, Abhishek was at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and in the dugout. Varun said the India opener resumed practice as well. “I think he will play the next match,” Varun said after India beat Namibia to make it 10 wins on the trot in 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.”
That was a more positive prognosis after India captain Suryakumar Yadav had said at the toss: “He will take a game or two, I don’t know.”
In Abhishek’s absence, Sanju Samson opened the innings, hitting three sixes in his 22 off 8, but Ishan Kishan, the other opener, kept the wicketkeeping gloves, which does suggest Samson remains the back-up opener for now.
If Abhishek is healthy and ready by the time India make it to Colombo, they will have seen through the early availability hiccups. Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the USA match with illness, was back in the XI in Delhi. He bowled his four overs for 20 runs and a wicket, and took a diving catch as well.
Also, Washington Sundar, who was out with a side strain and was not with the squad in Mumbai, rejoined the squad and completed his duties on the sidelines.
