Apart from the handshake bit, another burning question ahead of the T20 World Cup Group A match between India and Pakistan is regarding the availability of swashbuckling opening batter Abhishek Sharma. The 25-year-old missed the side’s previous match against Namibia as he failed to recover in time. Prior to the contest against Gerhard Erasmus’ side, Abhishek was hospitalised after he complained of fever and a stomach infection. At the toss for that particular match, India captain Suryakumar Yadav hinted that Abhishek could miss the match against Pakistan as well, as he will “take a game or two” to fully recover.
Ahead of the match against India, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said on Saturday that he wants Abhishek to play, as his team wants to take on the best players. The left-handed batter had proven to be a headache for Pakistan in the Asia Cup last year, scoring in both the group stage match and the Super 6s. However, he failed to get going in the final, as he was dismissed by Faheem Ashraf.
Speaking about Abhishek, Agha said, “I really hope – we all know he’s a good player and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have, and I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow.”
When the turn came for Suryakumar to address the media as part of customary pre-match routines, the Indian captain was told what Agha had to say about Abhishek. He was also asked about Abhishek’s fitness update and whether he would play in Colombo.
“Chalo theek hai. If the Pakistan captain wants us to play him tomorrow, we will do so. Done,” said Suryakumar, in response to the question.
When another question was asked about Abhishek, the Indian captain said, “Just now someone told me about what the Pakistan captain had to say. So I tell you the same thing, “’Chalo khila denge usko kal (We will make him play tomorrow).”
