Suryakumar Yadav: ‘We Will Play Him Tomorrow’
COLOMBO – India captain Suryakumar Yadav delivered a confident update regarding the fitness of opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. Responding to comments made by Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, Yadav confirmed that the aggressive left-hander is ready to take the field at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
The Captains’ Exchange
During a pre-match press conference, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed his desire to face a full-strength Indian side. Agha specifically mentioned Sharma, who had recently been sidelined with health issues.
“I really hope—we all know he is a good player, and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have,” Agha stated. “I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow.”
When asked for a response, Suryakumar Yadav offered a witty retort, signaling confidence in his team’s composition. “If the Pakistan captain wants him to play, we will certainly play him tomorrow,” Yadav said with a smile, effectively confirming Sharma’s inclusion in the playing XI.
Injury Concerns and Tournament Form
Abhishek Sharma’s participation had been in doubt following a turbulent start to the tournament. The opener recorded a golden duck in the match against the USA and subsequently missed India’s fixture against Namibia in Delhi due to a severe stomach infection requiring hospitalization.
Despite these setbacks, Sharma entered the tournament as the top-ranked T20I batter, a position cemented by his stellar performance following India’s 2024 World Cup triumph. His aggressive batting style has been a cornerstone of India’s recent T20 strategy.
Abhishek Sharma: T20I Career Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 38 |
| Innings | 37 |
| Runs Scored | 1,297 |
| Average | 37.05 |
| Strike Rate | 194.74 |
| Highest Score | 135 |
| Centuries / Fifties | 2 / 8 |
Match Preview: India vs Pakistan
The upcoming clash in Colombo is critical for both sides. Sharma has a strong track record against the arch-rivals, having scored 110 runs in three previous encounters at a strike rate of 189.65. His return boosts India’s top order as they look to secure dominance in the group stage.
- Date: Sunday, February 15
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Key Player: Abhishek Sharma (Ranked World No. 1 T20I Batter)
For official squad updates and live scoring, fans can visit the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official website or the International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament hub. Comprehensive statistics and player profiles are also available on ESPNcricinfo.