![Abhishek Sharma and Gautam Gambhir [Source: X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772773234179_Abhishek Sharma.jpg)
Abhishek Sharma and Gautam Gambhir [Source: X.com]
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has been struggling with the bat throughout the tournament, and therefore his poor form has become a major talking point ahead of the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final.
However, despite these concerns, India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has come forward to support the young opener. Notably, Samson believes that Abhishek still has the ability to bounce back and deliver when it matters the most against New Zealand in the final.
Abhishek Sharma’s poor semifinal performance adds to concerns
It is important to note that Abhishek Sharma’s struggles reached another low point during the semifinal match against England at the Wankhede Stadium. In that game, Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for just nine runs off seven balls. As a result, his disappointing run in the tournament continued.
Overall, Sharma has scored only 89 runs in seven innings during this T20 World Cup. Across seven matches, the left-hander has scored just 89 runs at an average of 12.71. Apart from the half-century against Zimbabwe, he has struggled to find rhythm in the tournament.
Notably, his campaign actually began on a worrying note when he registered back-to-back ducks against the United States, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Since then, he has been unable to build any consistent momentum with the bat.
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During the semifinal, the Punjab batter was dismissed by England’s Will Jacks. Moreover, this dismissal highlighted a recurring weakness in his batting.
For the second time in the tournament, the left-handed batter fell to off-spin bowling. This pattern suggests that Abhishek may have a technical vulnerability against that type of bowling attack.
Therefore, his inability to stay at the crease and build an innings has become a concern for the team.
Team India continue to support Abhishek Sharma
Despite these struggles, the Indian dressing room has continued to show strong faith in Abhishek Sharma. According to Sanju Samson, the team environment remains positive, and the players are standing firmly behind the young batter.
"We have a great dressing-room environment. Our leaders have a lot of faith in Abhishek and we're all supporting him. Every player goes through ups and downs. It may just take a couple of good shots in the middle and everything can change in this format. We still believe in him, and who knows—maybe the final will be his day," Sanju Samson told reporters after the second semi-final in Mumbai.
India edges out England by seven runs
Talking about the match, India produced a dominant batting display. Batting first, they posted their highest T20 World Cup total of 253/7, thanks to Sanju Samson’s brilliant 89, while Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube added valuable contributions.
However, England responded with great determination. Although they lost three wickets in the powerplay, Jacob Bethell’s explosive 105 off 48 balls kept them in the contest. Will Jacks also provided support with a quick 35.
Nevertheless, India’s bowlers held their nerve. A great fielding effort from Axar Patel turned the momentum, while Jasprit Bumrah delivered another exceptional spell at the death to seal the victory.
Meanwhile, India are now preparing for the biggest match of the tournament. The team will face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8. As a result, all eyes will be on Abhishek Sharma to see whether he can overcome his struggles and deliver a match-winning performance on the grand stage.
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