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India's hard-hitting opener Abhishek Sharma went through a rough patch in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. After 15 runs from four innings featuring three consecutive ducks, Abhishek scored a fifty against Zimbabwe to gain confidence. However, he awaits a tough test against West Indies and South Africa legend AB de Villiers has a slightly strange advice for him. De Villiers wants Abhishek to take deep breaths, watch the ball and not let West Indies bowlers rush at him. He even wants the opener to take his time by pretending to take guard again.
"My advice to him would be to just focus on what you are good at. That is to see the cricket ball, take a few deep breaths, and make sure you slow things down. When you feel like the bowlers are rushing you, send them back. Pretend like you are taking your guard again," said De Villiers on his YouTube channel.
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ABD gives Abhishek Buttler’s example
However, De Villiers believes Abhishek may be out of form but still dangerous. He cited former England captain Jos Buttler's example who has managed to score just 62 runs from seven innings in the tournament.
"He's out of form but very dangerous. They'll need him against the West Indies. It's a pressure game, and for a guy out of form to play a pressure game is tough. Look at Jos Buttler, for instance, against New Zealand. You can see he's feeling a bit of pressure. He's one of the best T20 players ever, and if he can feel the pressure, Abhishek will certainly feel the pressure against the West Indies with the entire country on his back," said the 42-year-old.
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"They'll want him to perform, knowing the standards he has set over the last few months. That can sometimes get very heavy on a player," he added.
No T20I vs West Indies but one fiery knock at Eden Gardens
Abhishek has never played a T20I against West Indies. The last time he played at Eden Gardens was over a year ago. In the T20I clash against England, he smashed eight sixes in the 34-ball 79 in the run chase.
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