India faced a fitness setback ahead of their second T20I against England as star opener Abhishek Sharma reportedly twisted his ankle during a training session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. According to PTI, the injury occurred during a catching drill on Friday.
Following the incident, the Indian team physiotherapist attended to Abhishek on the field. The opener later headed to the dressing room to rest his ankle and was seen limping as he made his way back. He did not return to the nets for batting practice and reportedly spent over 30 minutes with the physio in the dressing room.
Abhishek Sharma’s Brilliant 79 Powers India to Seven-Wicket Win in Kolkata
Abhishek Sharma delivered a sensational knock of 79 runs in the opening match in Kolkata, helping India secure a dominant seven-wicket victory. Since forming a partnership after the 2024 T20 World Cup, Abhishek and Sanju Samson have consistently provided India with explosive starts.
In the Kolkata game, Abhishek dismantled England’s bowling with a blazing strike rate of over 230, while Samson has been in phenomenal form, scoring three centuries in his last six T20I innings.
If Abhishek is unavailable for Saturday’s game, India may turn to Washington Sundar or Dhruv Jurel as potential replacements. In that case, Tilak Varma could be promoted to open the innings alongside Samson. India currently lead the five-match series 1-0 following their impressive performance in the first game.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, who missed the Kolkata T20I, had an extensive practice session at the nets ahead of the second match in Chennai. The experienced pacer worked on regaining his bowling rhythm and participated in throwing drills with fielding coach T. Dilip before focusing on his bowling near the Madras Cricket Club stand.
Shami was initially expected to make his return in the first T20I, but the team opted to play Arshdeep Singh as the sole specialist pacer in Kolkata.
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