India’s out-of-form opener Abhishek Sharma is gearing up for the must-win ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Zimbabwe. After three consecutive ducks, Abhishek registered a 12-ball 15 which has become a concern for the Indian side as they have not been able to get fiery starts in the powerplay overs. In Chennai, leading up to India’s second Super 8 game, the opener has adopted a different approach.
As per a report by TOI, Abhishek did not take on Indian bowlers, spinners or otherwise in the nets. Instead, he faced the net bowlers/spinners, hitting them around the park to get back in the groove. At MA Chidambaram Stadium, Abhishek started his practice after an hour and a half. Earlier, he talked to the spinners trying to get a grasp of how the pitch in Chennai will behave. He batted for half an hour to fine-tune his skills.
Abhishek to face off-spin challenge again
Take the pace off! That has been the mantra of the opposition against Abhishek who was expected to dominate the proceedings in the T20 extravaganza. The southpaw has already been dismissed twice by right-arm off-spinners, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha and Netherlands’ Aryan Dutt. In the previous game, he was deceived with a slower one from South Africa’s Marco Jansen.
He is likely to face the spin challenge again. Given that Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza has recovered fully, he can take up the new ball to play mind games with Abhishek. Also, with the new ball, Brad Evans is capable of taking the pace-off with minimal tell of the arm.
The selection conundrum continues
Meanwhile, India seem to be facing a selection conundrum. The problem of plenty of southpaws has affected them. The oppositions have often resorted to off-spinners to counter them. While Ishan Kishan and Abhishek are unlikely to be benched, there are uncertainties around Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar. Many have suggested that bringing in Sanju Samson, even though he is out of form, can benefit the team. In the absence of an unwell Abhishek, Samson opened the innings against Namibia and scored an eight-ball 22. He was in good touch in the net session on February 24 as well.