India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak backed Abhishek Sharma after the southpaw's forgettable outing in the two matches of the T20 World Cup 2026. Abhishek, who played a crucial role for India in their Asia Cup 2025 win, has yet to score runs in the mega event as the southpaw was dismissed on ducks in his two outings of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Sitanshu Kotak on Abhishek's batting
Ahead of India's dead rubber clash against the Netherlands, Kotak reckons that there is no need to overthink Abhishek Sharma’s early failures in the marquee event. He said that in a fast-paced format like T20 cricket, too much analysis after a couple of low scores can actually do more harm than good.
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Against the USA, he was caught at deep cover off Shadley van Schalkwyk. In the match against Pakistan, he was dismissed at mid-on by Salman Ali Agha, who even had a straighter deep cover placed for him.
"Obviously, we plan, but he wasn't well and didn't play (against Namibia). Last game got out in the first over. One thing we definitely do unnecessarily is overanalyse; sometimes you only start making more assumptions than the opposition do.
"He has his plans sorted, he follows the way he wants to, and obviously we discuss opposition, their bowling, their strengths, what they’ve been doing -- all that is normal for everyone, not just Abhishek," said Kotak.
Sitanshu on Abhishek's situation
He explained that Abhishek had missed the Namibia match because he was unwell and had to be hospitalised due to a serious stomach infection. In the previous game, he got out in the very first over. Kotak added that sometimes teams end up overanalysing situations and creating more doubts than the opposition actually does.
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"Abhishek, before he fell ill, made runs in matches. In the T20 format also, sometimes 10 balls 30 is as important. Not like he hasn't scored runs. T20 format is high risk, someone will get out. If we stress so much, players will be under pressure. He is in good form, has clear plans and a clear mindset, that's what matters for us."
Sitanshu on India's performance vs spinners
Talking about batters' performance against spinners in the league stage thus far, Kotak was pleased about the way they played. The wickets were tricky, especially in Wankhede and Colombo.
"Playing aggressive cricket is important. But not because of a player's couple of failures will change. If anything, the plans will change according to situation and conditions. Like Mumbai game, where Surya has to stay there for a while, he was run-a-ball more or less for 30-35 balls, that’s playing to the situation," added Kotak.
India who already sealed their berth for the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 will face Netherlands in their fourth group stage clash which will take place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.