Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav backed Abhishek Sharma after the opener’s disappointing performance in the T20I series against Zimbabwe. After struggling for runs throughout the series, Abhishek shared an emotional message on Instagram and promised to learn from the experience and come back stronger.
India won the T20I series 3-0 over Zimbabwe with a 35-run victory at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, July 26. While Shreyas Iyer’s team dominated the series, Abhishek faced a disappointing campaign. The left-handed batsman could score only 11 runs and failed to reach double figures in any innings.
Suryakumar Yadav supports Abhishek Sharma after disappointing performance in Zimbabwe T20 series
After the series, Abhishek Sharma has shared an emotional message on Instagram. The India opener admitted his disappointment after the poor series but promised to work hard and come back stronger for the national team.
Abhishek wrote on Instagram, “It hurts when you can’t give back what so many people believe you are capable of. But this game always rewards those who keep performing. Glad the team got the win. Will come back stronger.”
Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav showed his support to Abhishek by reminding him of his match-winning performances in the last two years and urged him to maintain confidence.
Suryakumar commented, “For 2 consecutive years you have given many reasons to smile. Made India proud when it mattered most. It’s about time. Be yourself.”
Suryakumar Yadav is supporting Abhishek Sharma in his difficult times pic.twitter.com/xM3PI5075P
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 27, 2026
How bad was Abhishek Sharma’s series against Zimbabwe?
The Zimbabwe tour was one of the toughest international tours for Abhishek Sharma. He scored 1, 8 and 2 in the three-match series, with Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani dismissing him in all three innings.
His struggle continues in the last few T20 series. Since the Ireland tour, Abhishek has scored only one half-century and has failed to get consistent starts at the top of the order.
His recent statistics underline his decline in form. Abhishek’s last six T20I scores are 10, 16, 3, 1, 8 and 2. He has failed to cross 20 in any of these innings and has recorded three consecutive single-digit scores.
During the 2025 season, Abhishek scored 859 runs in 21 T20I innings at an average of 42.95 and a strike rate of 193.46, which included one century and five half-centuries.
Competition grows for India’s inaugural spot
Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, India won the series easily 3-0, but Abhishek Sharma’s form remains a matter of concern. His struggles have increased the competition for a spot at the top of the order ahead of the upcoming India assignments.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made the most of the opportunity. The youngster finished as the leading run-scorer in the series and won both Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
India also has experienced options waiting in the wings. Sanju Samson, who was the Player of the Tournament during India’s successful 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, is still pushing for a regular place in the T20I team.
India’s next T20I assignments are a three-match series against Afghanistan in September and a home series against West Indies in October before the Asian Games. Abhishek will be hoping to regain his form and cement his place in India’s plans.
