India's star opener Abhishek Sharma’s highly anticipated T20 World Cup debut began on a disappointing note at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7. Despite entering the tournament as the world's top-ranked T20I batter, the young opener was dismissed for a golden duck during India's opening Group A clash against the USA on February 7.
Abhishek Sharma gets golden duck on T20 World Cup debut
The dismissal highlighted Abhishek’s aggressive instinct, as his trademark tendency to attack from the first delivery once again proved to be his undoing. Attempting a wide aerial shot in the second over off the bowling of Ali Khan, he holed out to Sanjay Krishnamurthi at deep cover. While the shot selection was questioned, the USA deserved immense credit for their tactical discipline, using a specific field placement that perfectly baited the star batter into a mistake.
Abhishek joins Gambhir in embarrassing list
By failing to score, Abhishek joined a list of Indian cricketers who struggled in their maiden World Cup appearances. He became only the second Indian to be dismissed for a golden duck in his debut World Cup innings, following in the footsteps of veteran left-arm pacer Ashish Nehra. Other notable names on the list of debut ducks include Shardul Thakur, Deepak Hooda, and even current head coach Gautam Gambhir, proving that even the game's greats have found the World Cup stage to be incredibly unforgiving.
Suryakumar Yadav's blitzkrieg rescues India
Captain Suryakumar Yadav ran riot with the bat, and produced an unbeaten 84-run knock to rescue India from a dire collapse. With the defending champions reeling at a precarious 77/6, the skipper took full control of the innings, anchoring the tail to guide his side to a competitive total of 161/9. His ability to navigate a high-pressure situation ensured that India remained in the hunt after their top order was decimated during the opening exchange.
The recovery was particularly impressive given the challenging conditions at the Wankhede Stadium. After USA skipper Monank Patel opted to bowl first, Shadley van Schalkwyk exploited a surface that offered grip and movement, consistently troubling the Indian batters. However, Suryakumar provided a masterclass in adapting to the pitch, he balanced caution with his signature aggression, smashing 10 boundaries and four sixes in a 49-ball blitz that effectively neutralized the American bowling threat.