IND vs ENG 2025: Abhishek Sharma twists ankle ahead of 2nd T20I

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma twisted his ankle during the net session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai ahead of the second T20I against England on Saturday, January 25. The southpaw suffered the injury scare while performing a catching drill on the eve of the encounter.

Indian team physiotherapist checked on the Punjab batter on the field. Abhishek subsequently left for the dressing room to give rest to his ankle. He was seen limping as he made his way back to the pavilion and did not come out to bat in the nets again. According to reports, the 24-year-old spent over 30 minutes with the physio in the dressing room.

Abhishek had been under the pump ahead of the series as he had flattered to deceive in his young international career. However, the opening batter gave a glimpse of his enormous talent in the first T20I, smashing 79 runs off just 34 balls. He hit five fours and eight sixes during his enterprising knock. India chased down a 133-run target at the iconic venue to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

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If Abhishek fails to recover in time for the second T20I, it could open the door for Dhruv Jurel. Tilak Varma could open the innings with Sanju Samson and Jurel can be used as a floater. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, who is a part of the Indian team for the first time since the ODI World Cup final in 2023, couldn't make the cut in the first T20I as the Men in Blue went in with three spinners and one frontline seamer.

Shami reportedly worked hard on his bowling at the nets on Friday, trying to build up a good rhythm. The 34-year-old was also part of throwing drills for a few minutes with fielding coach T Dilip. All eyes will be on the veteran seamer as the cricket fraternity has been waiting with bated breath for his national team comeback.