The selection of Abhishek Sharma for India’s high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England has become a central point of contention. As the two giants prepare to face off in the T20 World Cup 2026, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has weighed in on the debate, offering clarity on the explosive left-hander’s status. This match marks the third consecutive T20 World Cup where India and England have met in a knockout stage, with both sides desperate to secure a place in the final.
Morne Morkel wants Abhishek Sharma to learn from Sanju Samson
The journey to the semi-finals has been relatively steady for both teams, though not without hurdles. England’s only blemish came against the West Indies in the group stage, after which they remained clinical and undefeated throughout the Super 8s. India, conversely, maintained a strong run until a stumble against South Africa in the Super 8 stage served as a late-tournament wake-up call.
Despite entering the tournament as India’s top-ranked T20I batter, Abhishek Sharma has struggled significantly on the world stage. His recent rough patch has sparked intense national debate regarding his spot in the playing XI. Over the course of six matches, Sharma has recorded three ducks and managed only 80 runs in total, the bulk of which (55 runs) came in a single outing against Zimbabwe. With Sanju Samson finding his rhythm and Ishan Kishan maintaining consistent form, many critics now view Abhishek’s inclusion as a liability to the team's balance.
However, the team management remains steadfast in their support. Morne Morkel has publicly backed the struggling opener, dismissing the idea that he is a burden. Morkel suggested that the upcoming clash with England represents a clean slate for Abhishek, drawing parallels to Sanju Samson’s ability to bounce back after his own extended period of poor form.
"Sanju found himself in a similar situation, it's a good growth and learning for Abhishek. It's a fresh page for him tomorrow and an opportunity to go out there and do well," Morkel said at the pre-match press conference.
'Team selection will be decided on how the pitch is looking on game day'
Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has candidly admitted that the team management is still uncertain about how the surface at Wankhede Stadium will perform. Despite the venue's reputation, Morkel noted that the current conditions remain unpredictable, leaving the final behavior of the pitch a matter of speculation as the match approaches.
To manage these uncertainties, Morkel highlighted the significant impact of the local weather, pointing out that the rising heat will play a crucial role in the game's dynamics. He emphasized the importance of ground maintenance, suggesting that the groundsmen must ensure the wicket does not dry out excessively, which could drastically alter the playing conditions as the game progresses.
"We have kept our bases covered; team selection will be decided on how the pitch is looking on game day. The pitch has been watered. It's still soft, so it's difficult to read up on it right now. But if it's a high-scoring game, we need to up our standards," Morkel added.