‘Take a tough call’: Former India captain wants Abhishek Sharma released, backs Sanju Samson’s comeback

India’s Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson (ANI Photo) Abhishek Sharma’s T20I struggles have been put back into focus after another disappointing series against Zimbabwe, with former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth urging the selectors to make a tough decision if the opener’s poor run continues.The left-handed batsman endured a forgettable three-game streak without scoring in double figures. His recent numbers have also become an issue, with Abhishek failing to cross 20 in each of his last six T20I innings. He has managed just a half-century since India’s T20 World Cup triumph, putting his place in the side under the scanner as the competition for the top spot continues to grow.The debate intensified further after Sanju Samson, India’s player of the tournament during the T20 World Cup winning campaign, was left out of the Zimbabwe series despite his impressive performances. With few opening options available, Abhishek’s extended lean spell only increased the pressure on the ICC’s former top-rated T20I batsmen.Reacting to the dip in form in the opening tournament, Srikkanth said that rival teams have devised a way to contain Abhishek and believes that the selection committee may have to take a bold decision soon. He also expressed confidence that Samson will return to the Indian setup.“Abhishek Sharma has been sorted out (by opponents) in international cricket right from the World Cup. I think a tough call has to be taken against him now. I feel Sanju will get his chance again now. He will get a 100% call back. The selectors will have to take a tough call,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel.While Abhishek’s form emerged as a talking point, India also found plenty to celebrate with the return of Mayank Yadav. The fast bowler returned after a long injury lay-off in his first international match since October 2024.Mayank made an immediate impact by taking two wickets in the opening T20I before ending the series with a three-wicket haul in the final game. Bowling with real pace throughout the tour, he consistently troubled the Zimbabwean batting line-up and looked almost at his best.Srikkanth was delighted to see the pacer complete all three matches without any fitness concerns and urged the team management to continue investing in young talent.“It was good to see Mayank Yadav play all three games. I am happy for him. Look how consistent this boy has been. India’s future is very good. You have to support the right youngsters. I don’t mind Ashok Sharma either,” he said.