India’s Captain Backs Abhishek Sharma Ahead of Super 8 Clash
Ahmedabad: The captain of the Indian cricket team, Suryakumar Yadav, has expressed full confidence in opener Abhishek Sharma, despite his recent lack of form. Yadav made these remarks to the media in Ahmedabad ahead of the crucial Super 8 matches of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The support comes before tomorrow’s game against South Africa.
Yadav stated, “We have no concerns. It pains me to see people worrying about Abhishek’s form. This is a team game. He carried the team last year, and now we stand with him.” When questioned about the possibility of Sanju Samson joining the team, Yadav explained, “The team is focused on achieving high scores. Both Abhishek and Tilak are receiving full support from the team management.”
So far in the tournament, Sharma has failed to score in any of the 8 balls he has faced. He was dismissed by Ali Khan against the USA, by Salman Ali Agha in the first over against Pakistan, and clean bowled by Aryan Dutt against the Netherlands. He has been out for a duck five times in his last seven innings, earning him the unfortunate record of most ducks in a calendar year (and within February) for an Indian player.
Support from Bowling Coach Morné Morkel
Indian bowling coach Morné Morkel also voiced his support for Abhishek, stating that he is a world-class player and that his form is not a topic of discussion within the team. Despite Sharma’s struggles with the bat, India has won all four of its group stage matches, demonstrating the team’s overall strength.
The team is giving Sharma another opportunity based on his past performance, where he scored 859 runs in 21 matches in 2025 with a strike rate of 193.46. Fans and the team alike are hoping for a return to form from Abhishek in the upcoming match against South Africa.
