“This Is IPL Talent”: India’s T20 World Cup Meltdown Sparks Fierce Online Reactions

India's T20 World Cup 2026 opener against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium took an unexpected turn on February 7, and the shockwaves were felt instantly on social media.

After USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and chose to field, India's much-hyped batting line-up unravelled inside the powerplay. The defending champions slumped to 48/4 in six overs, with disciplined bowling and sharp catching from the USA exposing India's top order under lights in Mumbai.

The early damage began when Abhishek Sharma, coming off a strong build-up to the tournament, was dismissed for a duck by Ali Khan in the second over. Ishan Kishan briefly steadied the innings alongside Tilak Varma, but Shadley van Schalkwyk's decisive final over of the powerplay

removed Ishan, Tilak and Shivam Dube in quick succession, leaving the hosts reeling.

finally blind slogger Abhishek Sharma is getting exposed pic.twitter.com/fCvYuBdG59

- nysa (@chalkalaana) February 7, 2026

As the wickets fell, social media turned ruthless. Abhishek Sharma, in particular, became the lightning rod for criticism. One viral post read, "Finally blind slogger Abhishek Sharma is getting exposed," while another mocked his dismissal by saying, "Got out on a duck by a Pakistani bowler Ali Khan. THIS IS IPL TALENT. "

MEET ABHISHEK SHARMA 🚨

- Got out on a duck by a Pakistani Bowler Ali Khan in T20 WC 😂.

THIS IS IPL TAIIILENT#INDvsUSA | #T20WorldCup | #T20WC2026 pic.twitter.com/0oLKDp3mq2

- Malik Jamal (@MohammadJa53620) February 7, 2026

Others zoomed out to question the bigger picture. Several fans pointed out that "almost the entire batting lineup failed to capitalize on their starts," calling it highly unusual for an Indian T20 side known for dominant powerplays. Ishan Kishan, despite getting out inside the first six overs, drew relative praise online for showing "some resilience under pressure" when the rest collapsed.

Almost the entire batting lineup failed to capitalize on their starts, which is very unusual for this team.

Only Ishan Kishan showed some resilience and played a small but positive innings under pressure. It makes me wonder—are factors like the pitch, dew, https://t.co/3S0dufvqSr

- Md. Abdullah (@mda524360) February 7, 2026

Selection debates also resurfaced instantly. One widely shared opinion argued that Shubman Gill should have been part of the T20 setup, claiming he offers the consistency of a long-term match-winner compared to the high-risk approach of India's current openers.

Shubman Gill should have been in the T20 Side, He is better batsman than Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Ishan Kishan as They are exciting to watch like Sehwag you enjoy their Batting, But Shubman Gill is like Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli a better player and a match Winner.

- Shah (@Shahhoon1) February 7, 2026

With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to viral fever and India forced into recovery mode early in their title defence, the opening overs not only dented the scoreboard but also ignited a fierce online debate about form, selection, and whether India's aggressive template can always be trusted under World Cup pressure.