India’s T20 World Cup preparations faced a fresh concern on Wednesday after wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan suffered a foot injury during a net session, following a sharp yorker from pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Kishan, who has been in excellent form in recent matches, was struck flush on the foot while batting in the nets and was seen limping off in visible discomfort. Although he returned briefly to continue his practice, he did not bat for long, raising doubts over his immediate availability.
The incident has added to India’s selection headache, with opener Abhishek Sharma already uncertain due to illness ahead of the team’s next match in the tournament.
Bumrah Back at Full Intensity
While Kishan’s injury was a setback, there was positive news regarding Bumrah himself. The fast bowler, who missed India’s opening T20 World Cup game against the United States, bowled at full intensity for the second consecutive day, signaling his likely return to the playing XI.
Bumrah’s rhythm and workload in the nets have been closely monitored, and his involvement in bowling and fielding drills was seen as a major boost for the Indian camp.
Speaking on the eve of the match, young batter Tilak Varma provided an update on Bumrah’s fitness.
“Bumrah is absolutely fine now. He’s doing better. We still have one more day, so hopefully he’ll be back in the team. If he continues to improve, the team management will take a call, and I think he could be back for the second game,” Tilak said.
India are scheduled to face Namibia next, a game expected to serve as a warm-up opportunity for Bumrah ahead of the high-profile clash against Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday.
Abhishek Sharma’s Fitness in Doubt
Adding to India’s concerns is the health of young opener Abhishek Sharma, who remains uncertain for the Namibia fixture. Abhishek was recently hospitalized after suffering from a stomach infection following the team’s arrival in Delhi.
Although he was discharged on Wednesday, the team management is yet to take a final call on his participation.
Tilak Varma confirmed that a decision on Abhishek will be taken closer to match day.
“We still have one more day before the game, so hopefully we’ll decide by tomorrow how he feels and then move forward accordingly,” he added.
With Abhishek’s availability unclear and Kishan nursing a knock, India could be forced into changes at the top of the batting order.
Sanju Samson Set to Step In
In case Abhishek Sharma fails to recover in time, Sanju Samson is expected to be drafted into the side as cover. Samson, who has been out of the playing XI due to indifferent form, looked in good touch during the net session on Wednesday.
The Kerala batter had an extended batting stint and appeared confident, increasing the likelihood of his inclusion if India require a replacement opener.
Samson’s potential return would provide India with an experienced option, especially with multiple players currently managing fitness concerns.
Other Positive Signs in the Camp
There were also encouraging updates on the fitness of Washington Sundar, who bowled and batted in the nets after recovering from his own injury issues. His availability gives India added depth in the all-rounder department.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, and Rinku Singh were also involved in training and later spent time interacting with Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) officials and fans, posing for numerous selfies after the session.
Despite the injury worries, the overall mood in the camp remained upbeat, with India confident of putting together a strong XI for the upcoming matches.
What This Means for India
With the Pakistan clash just days away, India will be keen to have a fully fit squad. The return of Bumrah is a massive positive, but the fitness of Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma will be closely watched.
The team management now faces a crucial 24–48 hours to assess their options and finalize combinations ahead of the next game.
