As soon as the countdown starts t20 world cup 2026Excitement is building over what promises to be another increasingly fierce and unpredictable global tournament. Each edition of the shortest format has a habit of bringing in new hero players who come without the burden of history and define the narrative of the event. With conditions conducive to aggressive batting and packed stadiums expected to heighten the drama, the spotlight is once again turning towards the young guns who can make a splash in the tournament and keep the fans on the edge of their seats.
Ravi Shastri names his player to keep an eye on in T20 World Cup 2026
Former head coach of India Ravi Shastri He wasted no time in naming the player who he believes can make the biggest impact at the mega event. Speaking at an ICC event in Mumbai, Shastri chose Abhishek Sharma One to watch, underscoring the left-handed batsman’s confidence and destructive potential at the top of the order.
Shastri’s comments came soon after Abhishek’s breathtaking performance against New Zealand in Nagpur, where the young opener scored 84 runs off just 35 balls. Batting with India captain Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek helped add 99 runs in just 47 balls, laying the foundation for India’s mammoth score of 238.
“Abhishek, without any doubt. (He) is the No. 1 T20 batsman in the world (and) in great form. Last evening (Wednesday) he took the game away from New Zealand. You have to be careful of him because his confidence level is high. He will have the support of the home crowd, and if he goes on, it means India goes on.” Shastri said.
There are a lot of expectations from this explosive batsman
Abhishek’s rise has been swift and strong. He first grabbed attention with a sensational IPL 2024 campaign, which showcased his fearless approach and clean striking. That momentum carried over to international cricket, where he announced himself with a century zimbabwe At the beginning of his Indian career. Since then, he has become a regular feature in the T20 setup, often tasked with maximizing the powerplay.
What sets Abhishek apart is not only his ability to overcome obstacles but also his intent from ball one. His instincts against spin and willingness to take risks enabled India to dominate the bowling attack early and post a score of over 230. Shastri also pointed out that Abhishek’s presence at the top gives freedom to others in the lineup, thereby reducing pressure during poor form. With India set to begin their World Cup campaign on February 7 and with the home support expected to be tremendous, expectations are naturally high.
Also read: Before T20 World Cup 2026, Irfan Pathan described the perfect batting slot for Suryakumar Yadav.
