Abhishek Sharma may not be in top form during the T20 World Cup 2026, but Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have stepped up to the Indian opener’s defence. Despite his lean patch with the bat, both men urged the Indian team management to stick with Abhishek for the semi-final against England on March 5.
The Indian opener lasted a lean patch in ongoing tournamentwith his only significant contribution being a half-century against Zimbabwe. The southpaw registered three consecutive ducks against USA, Pakistan and Netherlands before managing 15 off 12 deliveries against South Africa.
In all, he amassed 80 runs from six outings at an average of 13.33, hitting just over 131. He made 10 off 11 balls in the last game before being dismissed, although India eventually got over the line thanks to Sanju Samson’s match-winning effort. Abhishek also had an off day in the field, give two chances. Despite this, Shastri said that any decision about Abhishek should be taken only after assessing his mental space.
“If the team management doesn’t realize that, he’s not there mentally. If mentally, his mindset has taken a beating, it’s up to them to judge that from the outside, in conversations with him, just seeing him bat in the nets,” said the former India head coach.
Ponting said he expected Abhishek to be one of the contenders for player of the tournament and leading run-scorer. However, he said he will stick with the opener.
“Obviously he didn’t make the runs that any of us expected,” Ponting said. “A month ago I had him as top scorer and maybe player of the tournament. It hasn’t happened yet, but I’d agree with Ravi. I’d stick with him.”
Shastri said the team change should only be made if Ishan Kishan moves up the order. Then India can bring in Rinka Singh to replace Abhishek.
“If that is the case, then and only then will I think of putting Ishan Kishan in the order and then Rinku Singh will probably bring him in at the end,” he added.
“That might be the only change but I would still stick with him because when India played England last time he had a great series against them.
WILL ABHISHEK RETURN TO FORM IN MUMBAI?
Abhishek last played in Mumbai where he made a brilliant 135 against England and Shastri expects a similar turn this time around.
“I won’t take that at the Wankhede,” said Shastri. “He’s done well in the past. He’s got some big hundreds and very quick hundreds there. I’ll stick with him because there’s a lot of firepower in that bat.”
India will face England on March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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Published on:
March 3, 2026 4:10 PM IST
