Kapil Dev shares his thoughts on Abhishek Sharma: The T20 World Cup 2026 has already been exciting to watch. Fans are just a sleep away from the blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC’s flagship event. India have the upper hand over their arch-rivals and are leading 7-1. The last time Pakistan defeated India in the T20 World Cup was in 2021.
Former cricketers and pundits are all excited before the match. Former India captain Kapil Dev shares his thoughts on the excitement of India vs Pakistan and preparation for the game. He appeared in an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport and poured his heart out on the game.
Kapil Dev shares his views on India vs Pakistan
Talking about the drama of Pakistan boycotting the marquee match that ended after three weeks, he said, “I think the administrators have to look at the issue. As players, we love to play. We should not interfere in it. I think people like us, cricketers, should not give our opinion. This is the country and the cricket board. I would like to support my country. Period. Nothing is bigger than my country.”
Kapil Dev also shared his thoughts about the way Abhishek Sharma bats in the powerplay, and also shared his views on the batsman’s future if Abhishek continues to play the way he does in the shortest format of the game.
Kapil Dev praised Abhishek Sharma fiercely
Abhishek Sharma has been India’s best batsman after the 2024 T20 World Cup. He changed the dynamics of starting the innings. He has hit a four almost every three balls in T20, which is a sensational record. Abhishek Sharma has the most runs for India since his debut in the shortest format of the game.
Kapil Dev said, “I think the need of the hour today is that (style of batting), and if you hit a six on the first ball, then why not! You need ability. If he keeps doing this for 2-3 years, people will say what a great player we have got. And at this time, a lot of bowlers will be planning how to get him out, what to do, what not to do.”
“Give him time, the first year I can understand, he has the talent and ability. The third year in international cricket will be the most important for him, how he manages himself.”
Will Abhishek Sharma play against Pakistan?
However, he did not have a good start to the T20 World Cup campaign, getting out for a duck in the very first match and also missing India’s second match against Namibia as he was suffering from stomach problems and was hospitalised. However, ahead of the India vs Pakistan match, he has gone to Colombo with the team.
Abhishek’s participation on Sunday will depend on his fitness and how he trains in the final training session on Saturday evening. After that, the final decision will be taken by the management as they would not want to risk their best batsman for just one game.
If Abhishek Sharma is not fit on Sunday, Sanju Samson will open the innings with Ishan Kishan, as the duo did in the Namibia game.
Also Read: Babar Azam T20I stats vs India: Can he silence the critics and rewrite his IND vs PAK story?
