Abhishek Sharma reveals targeted preparation against key bowlers ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

India's destructive opener Abhishek Sharma is currently featuring in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which is Suryakumar Yadav-led side's last dance before the T20 World Cup 2026, which will start from February 7.

Abhishek Sharma on T20 World Cup preparations

Considering Abhishek's current form and playing style, the destructive opener will be a vital cog for India to defend their title. Ahead of the mega event, the southpaw said that he has been practising against a specific kind of bowlers he would come across in the competition.

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"If I want to play aggressive cricket and show intent, I have to practice a certain way. That is what I always do before matches. When I get a week or 10 days, I keep in mind the bowlers I will face in the next series or matches. It all comes down to how I execute those plans.

“For the upcoming T20 World Cup, I have been practicing for that too. I know we will play all over India in different conditions against different teams, so preparation is key,” he added.

Abhishek tries to replicate match situations at the nets

The 25-year-old said he tries to replicate match situations at nets to the extent that he prefers facing bowlers with a similar style to what he would face from the opposition camp.

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“I try to get similar bowlers to bowl at me in the nets. For every bowler in the other team, I find someone similar to practice against,” he said.

“I ask them to bowl out-swingers, in-swingers, and use the new ball. I also ask them to take certain fielders out for me."

In his bid to remain ahead of the competition, the southpaw has also worked on the scenarios of bowlers taking pace off the ball against him.

“I know (that) especially going into the World Cup and any match, they won't give me a lot of pace. I realised that in the last few matches, so I have been working on it,” he said.

Abhishek said working on his back lift also helped him generate a smooth flow of the bat.

"I have always had a high grip holding position on the bat. The only thing I worked on was my back lift. I used to keep it a bit low, but now I keep it above my waist so I can get a smooth flow,” he said.

"When it was low, I was getting late on some balls so I practiced that. But the back lift and the grip are both natural for me,” Abhishek added.

India's Group Stage schedule for T20 World Cup 2026

T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to start from February 7, defending champions India will start their campaign against the United States at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.