Former India batsman Dinesh Karthik believes Sanju Samson’s recent resurgence with the bat could help ease the pressure on struggling opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of India’s crucial T20 World Cup semi-final. Karthik feels that Samson’s ability to take the lead at the top can give Abhishek the breathing space he needs to rediscover his rhythm.
Samson produced a career-defining knock when India needed it most during their must-win Super 8 match against West Indies at the Eden Gardens, remaining unbeaten on 97 to guide the team through a tense 196-run chase. In an interview with India Today during the JioStar Media Day ahead of the semi-final India Vs. England Karthik said Samson’s form could lift Abhishek a bit.
“I’d really like him to believe that the fact that Sanju is batting the way he is takes the pressure off of him, which ultimately brings out the best in him. At the end of the day, when someone like Sanju is batting with you, you’re not trying to outplay him or outplay him. It’s a team game.”
“He knows the role Sanju plays, which is to get the team on the flyer, which Abhishek is also very good at. I’d like to think Abhishek will feel a little lighter in his approach and belief in his game, knowing what Sanju and Ishan Kishan have done so far in this tournament,” he added.
HOW ABHISHEK Fought in T20 World Cup
Despite entering the tournament as the No. 1 ranked T20 batsman, Abhishek Sharma has made a name for himself in the competition so far. The left-hander managed just 80 runs in six games, averaging 13.33 with a strike rate of 131.14.
His campaign included three consecutive ducks and although he briefly found form with 55 against Zimbabwe at the Super 8 stage, he followed it up with scores of 15 against South Africa and 10 in the decider against the West Indies.
Many former cricketers urged Abhishek to deviate from his general tendency to go for big hits right from the start regain form. However, Karthik wants the batter to follow his instincts and find his way through this slim patch.
“In a situation like this where he (Abhishek) feels he needs to take a few balls before he can fire, I think he has the luxury and the privilege to do that… He’s earned the right to do that because we all know how good he can be when he’s ready. If he feels that’s what he needs to get a big score, why not?” added Karthik.
While Abhishek has struggled, Ishan Kishan has been among India’s most consistent batsmen in the tournament. Kishan scored 224 runs in seven matches at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 185.12, starting alongside Abhishek for most of the competition and even moving to No.3 during the West Indies clash.
INDIA Vs. ENGLAND: SEMI-FINALS IN BOMBAY
India will now face England in the T20 World Cup semi-final in Mumbaiwhere their powerplay performance with the bat will be crucial. England’s bowling attack offers a combination of spin and pace, with the leg-spinner Adil Rashid featuring in the spin department alongside Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks.
Their pace unit consists of veteran batsmen Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton and Sam Curran, so the opening phase is particularly important for India.
With Samson rediscovering his form and Kishan continuing his strong run in the tournament, India will be hoping that Abhishek Sharma also finds his touch as they head into one of the most important matches of their campaign.
Watch India’s bid to repeat history at the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 when India take on England in the second semi-final today, from 7:00 PM, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
05 March 2026 15:24 IST
