Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Young Indian cricketers Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma spoke candidly about their journeys of struggle, criticism and confidence after playing a key role in India’s triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Both batsmen hit half-centuries in the final as India beat New Zealand’s third national cricket team to clinch their title in the T206 on Sunday. India previously won the tournament in 2007 and 2024.Kishan was one of India’s top performers throughout the tournament, scoring three half-centuries. However, Abhishek’s path to the finals was much more complicated.
Ahmedabad erupts as Team India arrives at the hotel after winning the T20 World Cup
The left-handed opener faced heavy criticism after failing to score in his first three matches of the tournament, registering ducks against USA, Pakistan and Netherlands. He finally broke the series against South Africa but only managed 15 runs. A knock of 55 against Zimbabwe briefly boosted his confidence, but he struggled again in the following matches, scoring just 10 and 9 against the West Indies and England respectively.Despite his poor form, the team management continued to support him. Their faith paid off in the most important match of the tournament. In the final, Abhishek produced a stunning performance as he smashed 52 off just 21 balls, including eight sixes, to get India off to a flying start.Kishan’s journey to the World Cup was also far from easy. He spent a long time away from the national team and was even omitted from the central contract list. But he continued to work hard and wait patiently for his opportunity.The wicket-keeper batsman eventually reclaimed his place after leading Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title earlier this year.After India’s victory in Ahmedabad, both players addressed the media and talked about overcoming difficult phases in their careers.Asked how to deal with setbacks, Abhishek began to respond before Kishan interrupted him, joking that his own matches took much longer, prompting laughter from the room.“I can answer that too. You were in bad shape for a month, I spent two years out of the team,” Kishan said as the duo laughed.Kishan reflected on how he managed to stay mentally strong and emphasized the importance of faith and resilience.“I think the most important thing for me is self-belief. Once you get into that zone of doubt, then it puts pressure on your game. It doesn’t help you individually and you don’t help the team. So self-belief, hard work and helping others in their bad times will come back to you,” Ishan said.He added that his time in domestic cricket helped him change his perspective and focus on contributing more to the team environment.“So that’s what I learned at home. Instead of focusing only on myself, I thought why not take the whole team forward… Have good company, work hard, be happy and never lose faith in yourself. And you definitely have to up your game,” said Kishan, who led Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this year.After Kishan finished, Abhishek – who dominated the bowlers in the final – took the microphone to share his thoughts.“Your company matters a lot in these times. If you’re surrounded by people who are there to make you happy and make you feel like you’ve achieved something. Everyone (in the team) was so supportive and so happy. All the players, the coaches and the support staff, I never see any doubt on anyone’s face even when I was doubting myself,” Abhishek said.
