IND vs PAK: Will Abhishek Sharma compete against Pakistan? Former captain gave special advice

By Samira Vishwas On Feb 14, 2026

There is suspense regarding the fitness of Team India’s opening batsman Abhishek Sharma before the high-voltage match between India and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026. Recently, due to ill health, he could not play in the match against Namibia. Abhishek himself had told that due to the illness he had lost a few kilos of weight. In such a situation, it is not yet clear whether he is completely fit or not. Fans definitely want to see him on the field against Pakistan, but in the meantime, former Australian captain Aaron Finch has given important advice to Team India.

‘No need to take risks’- Finch

While talking to the media, Finch said that Abhishek Sharma is one of the match-winning players of India at present. In such a situation, it is more important to keep them completely fit for big matches like Super 8, semi-finals and finals. If he is not 100 per cent fit, there is no point in taking risks against Pakistan. Finch said that India has no dearth of options. Batsmen like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have performed well in the top order and the team is capable of giving a strong start.

Focus on long term strategy

The former Australian captain believes that no matter how big the India-Pakistan match is, the team management should keep an eye on the entire tournament. “You don’t win tournaments in the initial stages. The real target should be the Super 8s, semi-finals and finals,” he said. Finch stressed that India need to keep their best players fit and fresh till the final stages of the tournament.

What will be the team management’s decision?

According to him, Abhishek is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world at the moment, and it will be beneficial for the team to see him playing in full fitness and aggressive style. Now it will be interesting to see what decision the team management takes in this big match against Pakistan – will Abhishek take the field or will he be saved for the important matches ahead.