Former India spinner R Ashwin has opened up on the criticism around Abhishek Sharma’s batting form in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Abhishek, who started the
tournament with three consecutive ducks followed by a scratchy 15-run knock, returned to form with a half-century against Zimbabwe in India’s 72-run win at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. The southpaw slammed 55 off just 30 balls, hitting four fours and sixes apiece to set the foundation of India’s mammoth total before the bowlers restricted Zimbabwe well short in what was a must-win fixture for both teams.
Ashwin gave his take on Abhishek’s bat swing and rubbished the opinion that he was a slogger. The former spinner reasoned that many mistake Abhishek as a slogger because of the power in his shots and the distance the ball travels due to that.
“People are tweeting and calling him a slogger. I want to clear something: you can say anything about Abhishek Sharma, but he is not a slogger. He has one of the best and most enviable bat swings in world cricket. That's why whenever Abhishek Sharma strokes the ball, it goes very far. So, people can get confused and think he is a slogger,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin further elaborated on an area that the youngster could work upon, suggesting that stepping out of the crease is not the only way to show intent, something he reckoned Abhishek has been guilty of committing. However, he added that it could happen to any aggressive batter in search of form and rhythm.
“The only thing Abhishek Sharma has been guilty of is showing intent on every ball. You can show intent, but that doesn't just mean jumping forward and playing. There are many ways to show intent, and this can happen when someone is searching for runs.
“Abhishek Sharma's biggest strength is his timing, and his even bigger strength is his bat swing. I hope this fifty [against Zimbabwe] puts him on track for a wonderful and flourishing finish,” added Ashwin.
India will face West Indies in a virtual knockout clash at Eden Gardens on March 1.
