Abhishek Sharma labelled as 'Rascal' for putting pressure on the opposition after India's T20 World Cup 2026 win

India's destructive batter Abhishek Sharma had a difficult run with the bat during most of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which sparked a lot of discussion about his form. Before the final, the left-handed opener had scored only 89 runs in seven matches and even recorded three consecutive ducks during the group stage.

How Abhishek Sharma regained form in T20 World Cup final

However, the final turned out to be a completely different story. Abhishek delivered when it mattered the most, smashing a rapid half-century off just 18 balls and helping India post a huge total on the board. Later, India’s bowlers kept New Zealand to a low score, allowing them to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.

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Haddin lauds Abhishek Sharma

Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin praised Abhishek for stepping up in the big match. Speaking on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, Haddin said:

"I'm a huge fan of Abhishek, and there was a lot of talk about his position throughout the tournament. Got a few ducks in a row in the pool games, and all of a sudden, you think he is under pressure, but there are the guys you want in the big moments, because they are rascals and they walk into the fire. That is what Abhishek does, he puts pressure on the opposition, and the way that he went out in that final set up the game,"

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Haddin on New Zealand's performance

Haddin also spoke about New Zealand, saying the side did well to reach another final but once again fell short in the last match.

"New Zealand have done a good job again to get to a final. I thought New Zealand were really red hot for the final. The way Finn Allen and Tim Seifert were batting. I thought they were in one of those tournament modes where everything is going their way. But the last hurdle [they failed to cross]. The classier team won, didn't it?" he added.

Abhishek Sharma's performance in T20 World Cup 2026

Overall, Abhishek finished the tournament with 141 runs, including two half-centuries, and also picked up the final wicket in the title clash against New Zealand. Earlier in the competition, the young opener had struggled badly, recording three consecutive ducks.

Despite that rough patch, Abhishek has still managed to hold on to the No.1 spot in the latest ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings.