Abhishek Sharma and Gautam Gambhir (Source:X)
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has not gone as expected for India's explosive opener Abhishek Sharma. Coming into the tournament as the World No.1 T20I batter, a lot was expected from the young player.
However, the 25-year-old has endured a nightmare start, getting out for a duck in all three matches he has played so far. To help Abhishek come out of his lean patch, head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen taking an active role, offering him special guidance.
Abhishek Sharma's poor performance in T20 World Cup
Abhishek Sharma has faced just eight balls in total in the competition and has not scored a single run. His struggles have raised concerns, especially as the tournament now enters its most important phase, the Super 8s.
In the match against the Netherlands, Abhishek even tried to change his luck by walking out to bat wearing teammate Mohammed Siraj's jersey. But the move did not bring any change in fortune as he was bowled in the very first over by Dutch spinner Aryan Dutt.
Earlier, he had also missed a game against Namibia in New Delhi after suffering a stomach infection. He was hospitalised a day before the match, and the team management decided not to risk him.
Despite India’s strong overall performance in the tournament, Abhishek's form remains a major talking point.
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Gautam Gambhir steps in with personal guidance
In recent pictures and videos of India’s practice session, head coach Gautam Gambhir has taken the matter into his own hands. During Friday's training session ahead of India's Super 8 match against South Africa, Gautam Gambhir was seen having a long one-on-one discussion with Abhishek.
Gambhir, himself a former left-handed opener, was seen explaining certain technical aspects and finer points of batting. Abhishek was seen listening carefully and trying to focus on his technique and temperament.
Reports suggest that the conversation in the training session revolved around handling off-spin in the power play.
Teams have found a pattern to dismiss Abhishek: introducing off-spinners early in the innings to restrict his aggressive stroke play.
Gambhir’s experience could prove valuable for the young batter. The head coach appears determined to help Abhishek Sharma to regain confidence before India face South Africa.
As the tournament reaches its business end, all eyes will be on Abhishek Sharma. The team management believes that one good innings could change everything.
Team management shows full faith in Abhishek Sharma
It is important to mention that the team management has made it clear that there is no discussion about dropping Abhishek from the playing XI.
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the media ahead of the Super 8 fixture and firmly backed the opener.
"Absolutely no discussion in our team group about that. Abhishek is a world-class player. Luckily, there were guys standing up with Abhishek obviously not scoring the runs he would like. But we're going through a very important phase of the World Cup now and I'm pretty sure he's going to deliver," Morne Morkel said during the pre-match press conference.
India will face the South Africa in their first Super 8 match on Sunday in Ahmedabad. The clash is crucial as India shares Group 1 with South Africa, the West Indies and Zimbabwe.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026 Star Sahibzada Farhan Once Begged Babar Azam For His Opening Spot
