India’s trump card, Abhishek Sharma is still searching for his first run in T20 World Cup 2026 after three appearances. Unwell going into the group stages, Abhishek’s scoring abilities seems to have run into a brick wall. As concerns around his form have become more evident following three consecutive ducks, former England captain Nasser Hussain feels that it is more of a mental issue.
"I think three ducks must make it mental. It is not like you are getting 10, 15, 20, and then you are like, 'I am okay'. Three ducks is suddenly, I mean, it is such a drop-off from where he has been. He is such a consistent hitter of a ball," said Hussain to the ICC.
Hussain has an advice for the Indian team management on how to lift Abhishek’s spirits as they head into the Super 8 stage. The cricketer-turned-commentator wants them to show Abhishek his stellar knocks to get him into a good head space.
"You just need someone to have a little nudge on him, or even go to his room in the next couple of days, and put in the videos. I don't know if they have videos, I am talking like an old man now. Get your analyst to send you all your great knocks, which there are plenty, and just sit there for two days and remind yourself what a great batter you are, and what a great striker of the ball you are, just to get your mind into a good space," Hussain added.
Abhishek has been dismissed by off-spinners twice in the tournament so far. Against Pakistan, it was their skipper Salman Agha, then Netherlands’ Aryan Dutt got his wicket.
Abhishek’s record against Super 8 opponents
India’s Super 8 Group 1 opponents are South Africa, Zimbabwe and West Indies. In their first clash, India will face South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on February 22. Both the sides were unbeaten at the group stages. Abhishek has 200 runs from eight innings against the Proteas.
After the Proteas challenge, India will head to Chennai to face Zimbabwe at Chidambaram Stadium. The opener has 124 runs from four innings against them at a strike rate of 174.64. Zimbabwe are high on confidence having beaten the mighty Australians, effectively knocking them out of T20 World Cup 2026.
Then, India will head to Kolkata to go up against two-time champions West Indies at Eden Gardens. This will be the first time Abhishek will play against the Caribbean side.