Gautam Gambhir has an in-depth conversation with Abhishek Sharma in Ahmedabad
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The pressure is increasing inside the Indian camp and now all eyes are on Abhishek Sharma. The young opener is going through a nightmare in the T20 World Cup 2026, and the tension was clearly visible during India’s practice session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 20.
Gautam Gambhir’s serious conversation with Abhishek Sharma raises questions!
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having a serious one-on-one chat with Abhishek Sharma while the rest of the team continued training at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This was not a normal conversation, but seemed to be a deep and serious conversation between Gambhir and Abhishek.
Gautam Gambhir’s conversation with Abhishek Sharma at the practice session in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/3jB1Lvp5F0
With a big Super 8 clash against South Africa coming up in Ahmedabad on February 22, the Men in Blue cannot afford another top-order failure. Abhishek had to struggle a lot in the group stage. He recorded three wickets in three straight matches of the tournament.
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In his last two matches, the off-spinners dismissed the left-handed batsman in the very first over. Salman Ali Aga and Aryan Dutt exposed Abhishek’s weakness, and now opponents are keeping a close eye as the T20 World Cup 2026 enters the decisive phase of the tournament.
Many experts are strongly critical of the Indian opener and are talking about a pattern in his dismissals. Even on social media, questions are being raised about his place in the team. However, Abhishek suffered from illness at the start of the tournament, which could have derailed his form.
Despite drought of runs, India supported Abhishek Sharma
Despite the poor statistics, the Indian cricket team management has shown confidence in him. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted that the lack of runs is a matter of concern, but made it clear that the team still has confidence in Abhishek’s ability to move ahead in the tournament.
Morne Morkel said during the pre-match press conference, “There was no discussion about it at all in our team group. Abhishek is a world-class player. Fortunately, some people stood by Abhishek, obviously he didn’t score as many runs as he wanted. But we are going through a very important phase of the World Cup now, and I am sure he will do well.”
Also read: Abhishek Sharma stopped from net practice after hat-trick of zeros
Abhishek has shown glimpses of his timing and confidence in the nets, but now it is time to bring that form into the middle in the crucial Super 8 game against South Africa.
Sunil Gavaskar blames pressure for Abhishek’s poor form
Earlier, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar had said that the pressure is bothering the 25-year-old batsman. He believes that Abhishek is forcing himself to play big shots from the very first ball, due to which he is struggling.
Times of India quoted Gavaskar as saying, “Abhishek Sharma is a lovely boy, but the expectations are weighing heavily on him. If he had got a good start against USA, the situation would have been different. Now, the pressure of being the biggest six-scorer and top batsman is visible.”
“With his shot range, he needs to spend time in the middle. He cannot try to hit a four or a six on the first ball of his innings. If the big shots come, it is fine. But he should not force himself to play big shots across the line,” the veteran said.
