t20 world cup 2026 clash between India and this Netherlands The regular league stage was expected to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Instead, it produced one of the most bizarre moments of the tournament.
When India’s in-form opener Abhishek Sharma When he came out to bat, fans immediately noticed something unusual – he was not wearing his jersey. The left-handed batsman, who is ranked No. 1 in T20Is, appeared in a shirt with ’73’ – the number associated with the fast bowler Mohammad Siraj.
This moment immediately led to confusion. Did Abhishek break ICC rules? Was India in crisis? Even before the first four was hit, there was a flood of questions on social media.
Why did Abhishek Sharma wear Mohammed Siraj’s jersey?
As it turned out, the explanation was far less dramatic than the frenzy online suggested. Abhishek had reportedly left his kit bag – which also contained his registered match jersey – at the team hotel.
India’s decision to bat first after winning the toss left little time to retrieve the forgotten gear. Rather than delay the match and risk disciplinary action, the opener fought for a solution. He first tried wearing a teammate’s spare shirt and eventually decided on Siraj’s jersey – which was readily available, as Siraj was not part of the playing eleven for that match.
commentators Sunil Gavaskar And Nasir Hussain Clarifying the situation mid-broadcast, it was confirmed that it was a logical accident rather than an intentional act.
Did Abhishek break ICC rules?
Short answer: no.
While the ICC maintains strict clothing and identification guidelines during global tournaments, there is room for flexibility in exceptional circumstances. Abhishek’s case falls in the same category.
1. Emergency Exception
The ICC Clothing and Equipment Regulations provide match referees with discretionary powers in unexpected circumstances, such as damaged or misplaced kit. Since it was a random inspection, officials treated it as an emergency swap.
2. Uniform Compliance
Although the name and number on the back did not match the player, the jersey itself was an official India team shirt with appropriate tournament branding and sponsor logos. Therefore the professional appearance of the match was not compromised.
3. Official Approval
The important thing is that the team management had informed the match officials before Abhishek entered the field. With his approval to avoid a delay-of-game situation, no conduct violations occurred and no penalties were awarded.
Similar instances have occurred in the past, with players occasionally borrowing jerseys due to travel or logistical errors without facing sanctions.
Also read: Sunil Gavaskar reveals how Abhishek Sharma can regain his lost charm in T20 World Cup 2026
Abhishek’s poor form continues in T20 World Cup 2026
If the Jersey drama created curiosity, Abhishek’s performance deepened the story. Unfortunately, the borrowed shirt did not change his fortunes. He was bowled out by Netherlands spinner Aryan Dutt on zero in three balls.
The dismissal proved to be an unwelcome milestone. This was his third consecutive duck in the 2026 T20 World Cup – against the United States, Pakistan and now the Netherlands – making him the first Indian batsman to register a ‘hat-trick’ of ducks in a single T20 World Cup edition.
