Murali Karthik slammed Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek Sharma’s poor form continues. The southpaw failed once again in a crucial encounter against West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata last night. It was not just a day for the flamboyant young batsman as he dropped two easy catches in the first innings and then scored 10 runs off 11 balls.
Sanju Samson’s masterclass of 97* off 50 balls sealed India’s victory in a vital game to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Abhishek Sharma was picked out by Akeal Hosein in an over where he tried to launch and gave a simple catch to Shimron Hetmyer.
Sometimes you put your team in difficult situations – Murali Karthik
Speaking on Cricbuzz’s podcast, former India spinner Murali Karthik has shared his views on Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal and the need to respect the conditions and the bowlers, and not attack the ball blindly.
Karthik said, “You can say his style of play is like this – I will play like this. Or you can say 17 runs have come. Sometimes experience tells. It teaches you your mistakes. Did I need to play this shot at that time? Sometimes you put your team in difficult situations. You take some wrong ideas at that time.”
No one knows when they will turn around – Murali Karthik
Murali Karthik also said that even the greatest of cricketers go through difficult phases in their career, even after scoring runs in some matches, players still have to go through difficult phases where they have to work hard to score the first runs.
Murali Karthik further added, “I think, I say again, that you have to respect the game and the opposition. You have to respect the situation. Because you can understand that you are having a good time. But no one knows when it will turn upside down. Giants in this game have seen. Even those giants have come at times when they don’t know where the runs are coming from.”
Here is the video
‘Artists will have to be given respect to give rhythm to Abhishek’
@KarthikMurali And @tiwarymanoj Opinion, on Cricbuzz Live Hindi#T20WorldCup #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/pfSkMJVJkU
– Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) 2 March 2026
“This game is like that. You will get a run in four matches – it is not an easy thing. And suddenly you look around and realize do you want to buy a run? Players have seen days like that. So I say again and again, it is very important to respect that time, that game, that situation.”
Abhishek Sharma’s streak of low scores continues
Murali Karthik also believes that Abhishek Sharma needs to play as per the situation of the game. Sanju Samson was striking before Abhishek was out and 17 runs were scored in the first five balls; It was an unnecessary shot to play.
Murali Karthik further said, “So this is what I want to say to Abhishek. I said the same thing last time also. Look at the situation. What do you want to do? What do you need to do? Do you have all the shots? Yes. Can you hit anywhere on the ground? Yes. So what do you need to do? You need to give a little respect.”
“And when they start doing that, I don’t think anyone can stop them. Because there are a lot of shots. When we talk about this team, look at the talent. How much talent is there? The most important thing is – can you control yourself in those situations? That’s what is most important. And sometimes experience will teach you,” Karthik concluded.
“Experience teaches you – experience you don’t get anywhere else. And I want him to learn soon. Don’t make such mistakes. Because this is a very important stage. Think about it. You have everything. You are supposed to be a dangerous player. Don’t do it any other way.”
Abhishek Sharma has scored only one half-century in the tournament, which came against Zimbabwe, and so far he has three zeroes and fifteen runs to his name. The No. 1 T20I batsman has not had a good time in the big event.
Also read: Faf du Plessis, Anil Kumble credit India’s off-spin woes for Sanju Samson’s rise
