Sehwag wants Sanju Samson to open the innings for India against Zimbabwe.
While Abhishek failed to open his account in the Group A fixtures against USA, Pakistan and Netherlands, he managed to score 15 off 12 balls in the Super 8 clash against South Africa. As a result, the No.1-ranked T20I batter’s form has become a major talking point.
Ahead of India’s next Super 8 match against Zimbabwe at Chepauk, former opener Virender Sehwag has called for struggling Abhishek to be given a break while also suggesting the defending champions to bring Sanju Samson at the top of the order.
“If I were there, I would have given Abhishek Sharma a break and tried Sanju Samson instead. This is the only match where you can try, because if India lose this game, then they are out," Sehwag said while speaking on Cricbuzz.
“Since this is such an important match, India have to pick their best playing XI based on form," he added.
Having suffered a 76-run thrashing at the hands of South Africa, the Suryakumar Yada-led side is facing a must-win situation in their remaining Super 8 fixtures to have any chance of reaching the semi-finals.
On the eve of the Zimbabwe game, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed a press conference, where he backed Abhishek to regain his rhythm but didn’t rule out the possibility of rejigging the top-order, including bringing Samson to the lineup.
"Abhishek's health was a little bad, and after that, there wasn't that much momentum. But in the last game (vs SA), he looked good, and over-thinking about one individual, personally, I never liked that," Kotak said during the pre-match press conference.
"If we focus so much on one person, then obviously, that person also will be under pressure. When he was scoring 80, 70, 90 in 30 balls or 100 in 40, 50 balls, that time nobody was discussing.
"Our job is to keep him in a good frame of mind. Once he starts hitting the ball again, you'll see the same Abhishek again. Now, in T20s, nobody can give a guarantee that he will do it in the next match. So, I think it's not far (Abhishek getting a big score)," he added.
While the India team management is mulling over the option to include Samson at the top, Kotak did not commit to the nature of the changes.
"There can be changes, yes, because two left-handers are opening, number three is left-handed, and opposition is bowling spin. I personally don't think there is any problem in that but because we lost the last game (against South Africa), we lost a wicket in the first over...obviously, any team would think. We'll see how it goes because we never decide the team too early. And obviously, it's not fair to start telling your planning in advance. But there will be thoughts," he remarked.
After Zimbabwe, India will face West Indies on March 1 in Kolkata to complete their Super 8 campaign.