India’s young opening batsman Abhishek Sharma, who once ruled the T20 charts with his fearless hitting, is now facing a nightmare in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The pressure on Abhishek Sharma is increasing rapidly after being out for zero thrice in the three matches played in the tournament.
Repeated mistakes of Abhishek Sharma in T20 World Cup 2026
In the last two group games, the left-hander had lost in similar fashion against Pakistan and then Netherlands. He went for big pull shots against spin. The bowlers have read his plan. They are tempting him early, and he is taking the bait and losing his wicket.
Also read: Ashwell Prince reacts to Abhishek Sharma’s poor form
Nevertheless, the Indian cricket team management supports Abhishek Sharma. But the noise outside is getting louder. Amidst heavy scrutiny, former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth has come out in support of Abhishek and urged the think tank to support him, saying that all he needs is self-assessment.
Kris Srikkanth urges peace and self-assessment
“This out – he bowled hard and got out. When you have been out on a duck in the first two matches, take time for at least two balls. There is nothing wrong in taking your look. If you are getting out on a duck then there must be something wrong with you. You just have to assess it yourself and face a few balls,” Kris Srikkanth said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
Srikkanth believes that the way Abhishek Sharma got out against Netherlands shows that he was nervous and under pressure. He said the shot looked like he was trying too hard. Nevertheless, the former chief selector reminded the cricket world that even the best T20 batsmen go through bad times sometimes.
World Cup winner’s wise advice for Abhishek Sharma
The 1983 World Cup winner feels that Abhishek does not need to change his natural attacking game but he needs to remain calm in the beginning. He advised that the Indian opener should definitely play some balls. Just compromise. Just look at the pitch. There is no shame in playing safe on the first few balls.
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He further added, “I would tell Abhishek not to change his game, but take a little more time. Just experience it in the beginning. When your mind is not in control, you cross the line and play.”
Earlier, the Punjab player was admitted to a Delhi hospital due to a serious stomach infection, due to which he missed a group match of the T20 World Cup 2026 and also reportedly lost some weight.
No need to change the game, just be patient
Srikkanth has also defended the young Indian opener’s approach. Giving advice to Abhishek, the former Indian captain pointed out that even an aggressive batsman like Ishan Kishan takes a few balls before playing a big innings, and Ishan Kishan needs that short pause to turn things around.
He finally said, “Abhishek, why are you trying to hit every ball? Try to play four balls within the crease. There is nothing wrong in that. As a player, you have to make some personal adjustments. The world is cruel. People will praise when you are performing brilliantly, but they will criticize like this.”
