India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has hinted that Abhishek Sharma will be available for the high-octane clash against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Sharma missed the match against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Thursday due to stomach illness.

The left-hander was dismissed for a golden duck in the opening game against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Abhishek is the number one T20I batter in the ICC rankings and there is no doubt he is going to hold the key against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, in Sharma’s absence, Sanju Samson was given an opportunity against Namibia. But the Kerala batter could not grab his chance with both hands as he was dismissed after scoring a little cameo of 8-ball 22.

After the game, Chakravarthy said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, “I think he will play the next match. I don’t know. As far as I have spoken to him, he looks good. He did some practice today [Thursday]. He said he is on the way.”

BCCI also provided an update on Abhishek Sharma after the toss against Namibia, “Abhishek Sharma is still recovering from his illness and was unavailable for selection. The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring his progress.”

Meanwhile, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav said Abhishek will miss a game or two after suffering a stomach infection. Abhishek was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. 

Abhishek recently scored 182 runs in five matches against New Zealand at a strike rate of almost 250 and has been in rich vein of form.

India will next take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Sunday.