NEW DELHI: India opener Abhishek Sharma skipped Thursday’s training session as he continues to recover from a stomach upset, raising a slight question mark over his availability even as the team intensified preparations for their T20 World Cup clash against Namibia.

“Yeah, Washington joined the team yesterday, he’ll train today. Abhi still got a few issues with his tummy, we hope that he’ll be available for the game in a few days’ time,” assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said ahead of the match against Namibia on Thursday.

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Bumrah Back at Full Throttle

There was positive news on Jasprit Bumrah’s front. The pace spearhead looked fully fit, starting with a few gentle run-ups before switching spikes and cranking up the intensity, bowling at full pace to skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

During one sharp spell, Bumrah beat Surya for sheer pace and forced him to play the ball back onto his stumps, underlining just how lethal the premier fast bowler can be when operating at full fitness.

“He’s been off 10 days without bowling, but he’s feeling a lot better and moving a lot better, so we’ll see how training goes for them and get the team together on Friday,” ten Doeschate added.

Batters Shine, Washington Eases Back

Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma were the two batters who looked completely in control during the session.

Varun Chakravarthy, who is expected to trouble batters worldwide, was handled impressively by the duo. Surya played the mystery spinner with ease, slog-sweeping him behind square, while Tilak launched a towering hit that travelled close to 100 metres and landed in the top tier, drawing appreciative looks from teammates.

All-rounder Washington Sundar, returning after a recent injury lay-off, appeared slightly cautious during the early fielding drills and did not bowl initially.

He was later seen in a lengthy discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir near the boundary ropes before heading towards the pacers’ nets for another conversation with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.

As the session progressed, Washington and Kuldeep Yadav took turns bowling to Tilak Varma, an encouraging sign as the team continues to assess Sundar’s recovery from a side strain and rib injury.

With Abhishek Sharma recovering, Washington gradually building up his workload, and Bumrah nearing peak rhythm, India’s think-tank has a few key selection decisions to ponder ahead of match day.

(With PTI Inputs)