Team India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has hit a major roadblock. After four consecutive victories in the league stage, India began their Super 8 with a humiliating 76-run defeat against South Africa.
The batters have been facing scrutiny for lack of consistency, with focus mainly on Abhishek Sharma.
It took him four innings to score his first run in the T20 World Cup. Following three consecutive ducks, Abhishek went off the mark with a boundary against South Africa, but was nowhere close to his dominant self. A 12-ball 15 only added pressure on him, which he had been feeling since the beginning of the tournament.
The clash against Zimbabwe will be a massive chance for him to make an impact. Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis backed Abhishek to play ‘an amazing innings’ in the remaining matches.
“Tactically, the game has got so smart with analysts and the way that they are trying to get you out,” du Plessis told ESPNcricinfo.
“What I have picked up of late with Abhishek is people are now putting a deep point out and a deep extra cover out because he is so good at hitting the ball through the offside,” he added.
Lately, Abhishek has attracted attention for his ability to hit the ball through the offside, prompting teams to position a deep point and a deep extra cover against him. It’s been observed that he needs to make clear decisions when he steps onto the field: either reduce the risk and rotate the strike or aim for his trademark big shots.
The South African star noted that many teams are now opting to bowl slower deliveries to him. These slower balls entice Abhishek to go for his powerful swings but often result in mistimed shots that end up in the hands of fielders or are completely missed.
“Teams are targeting him with slower deliveries because he has such a graceful swing. The strategy is to take the pace off the ball against someone with a long swing,” he explained. The key challenge for Abhishek is figuring out how to handle these deliveries effectively.
Sharing his perspective, he said, “When facing slower balls, I either step down the wicket to generate my own pace or stay back to adjust for the slower delivery, ensuring my hands are not ahead of the ball. While I’m not going to offer Abhishek batting advice, it’s clear that teams are consistently using slower balls against him.”
“There will be 1000 opinions, 50 coaches. Everyone will want to give their 5 cents to Abhishek and the way he should bat. And it’s a tough place to be if you’re a young guy, 25 years old, in your first World Cup with so many expectations. He has bossed the last year, smashed every bowling attack all over the place,” he added.
In the end, the South African supported the youngster to deliver an “amazing innings somewhere in this World Cup,” highlighting his recent IPL performances where he consistently excelled against bowlers.
“He has been unbelievable the last two-three years in the IPL. He whacks bowling attacks all over the ground. He is the newer generation of T20 cricketer who doesn’t actually have to worry about defence. He has so many attacking options. The key for him now is, how do you keep the noise out? How do you make sure you focus on your strengths, your game, and keep your mind as clear as possible? Because there is a lot of noise going on when a player is in this state. I have no doubt, give him a couple more innings, the youngster will come through, and he will have an amazing innings somewhere in this World Cup,” he concluded.
(With Agency Inputs)
