Abhishek Sharma backed to overcome rough phase, urged to show 'patience' at the top: 'He needs to break that pattern'

T20 World Cup: Abhishek Sharma has faced eight deliveries and yet to open his account. He has been dismissed for ducks against USA, Netherlands and Pakistan.

Published on: Feb 22, 2026, 12:03:54 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The spotlight will be on Abhishek Sharma as India take on South Africa in their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 opener, in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The opener has failed to find his usual form in the tournament, but former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim feels that he can stage a comeback at the top of the order.

India's Abhishek Sharma walks back to pavilion after losing his wicket to Netherlands' Aryan Dutt. (Sportz Asia)

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Karim remarked that the India opener needs to be patient because opposition bowlers are well-prepared to face his usual aggressive approach from the get-go.

Also Read: Battle within a battle: Morkel brothers set for sibling rivalry in India vs South Africa T20 World Cup Super 8s clash

"A little patience will benefit Abhishek Sharma because the opposition are well aware of his preparations, not just Abhishek but all players. Now, Abhishek needs to break that pattern. He’s now aware that if he has to play long-term and return to form, then he has to prepare against such bowling attacks," he said.

"Abhishek Sharma is going through a phase that disturbs a lot of players. It will be a big test for Abhishek. If he takes time and plays with a straight bat and lets go of the pressure of scoring at 200-225 strike rates from the first ball, then there will be no problem. There shouldn’t be any change in approach, but you can tweak your game to catch up with his batting style. If he can play one or two overs well, then he can easily compensate," he added.

Abhishek hasn't been in good form in the ICC showpiece event, having faced eight deliveries and yet to open his account. He was dismissed for a duck against the USA and then missed the Namibia game due to illness. When he returned to action, he once again faced the Netherlands and Pakistan.

In his last seven T20Is, he has now bagged five ducks, the most by an Indian in a single calendar year in the format. Against Pakistan, he was dismissed by Salman Agha in the opening over. Meanwhile, against the Dutch, Aryan Dutt got his wicket.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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