Abhishek has failed to leave any mark in the showpiece tournament so far.
India opener Abhishek Sharma entered the T20 World Cup 2026 with a lot of expectations, having established himself as one of the most explosive batters in the shortest format.
However, the southpaw has failed to leave any mark in the showpiece tournament so far. While Abhishek bagged a golden duck in India’s campaign opener against the USA, he missed the second group-stage match against Namibia due to a stomach bug.
Sharma returned to the team for the marquee Group A clash against Pakistan, but was dismissed for a four-ball duck. He scored another three-ball duck in the final group match against the Netherlands, leaving the Indian fans worried ahead of the Super 8 phase of the competition.
Reflecting on Abhishek Sharma’s recent slump, former England cricketer-turned-commentator Nasser Hussain suggested that it is more of a mental issue than technical.
"I think three ducks must make it mental. It is not like you are getting 10, 15, 20, and then you are like, 'I am okay'. Three ducks is suddenly, I mean, it is such a drop-off from where he has been. He is such a consistent hitter of a ball," said Hussain to the ICC.
The former England skipper advised the young left-hander to revisit his past successful performances to get himself into a good space.
"You just need someone to have a little nudge on him, or even go to his room in the next couple of days, and put in the videos. I don't know if they have videos, I am talking like an old man now. Get your analyst to send you all your great knocks, which there are plenty, and just sit there for two days and remind yourself what a great batter you are, and what a great striker of the ball you are, just to get your mind into a good space," Hussain remarked.
Although Abhishek Sharma had a tough time in the first round, India made it to the Super 8 by winning all their Group A matches.
The defending champions will face South Africa in their opening Super 8 fixture on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.