Indiaof T20 World Cup 2026 The campaign created an unexpected storyline – a long lean patch of their explosive switch, Abhishek Sharma. Abhishek, who went into the marquee tournament as India’s chief destroyer, got off to a scary start, recording three consecutive ducks in his first three matches.
For the batsman who was ranked No. 1 in the world in T20 not long ago, the sudden decline was startling. India could have completed their task in the group stage, but Abhishek’s absence from the scoreboard became a growing concern within the camp and among the fans.
The numbers paint a disturbing picture. In just eight T20I innings in 2026, Abhishek has already recorded five ducks – equaling the Indian record for most T20I ducks in a calendar year. Sanju Samson. More interestingly, he became the first batsman in T20 World Cup history to start a campaign with three consecutive clean sheets.
Sunil Gavaskar explains how Abhishek Sharma can regain form in T20 World Cup 2026
The former Indian captain during the inspection Sunil Gavaskar rather than harsh criticism, he stepped in with calm, measured advice. Speaking during the broadcast analysis, the legendary batsman said the burden of expectations could weigh heavily on the young opener.
According to Gavaskar, Abhishek’s role as the team’s first-six batsman and title move may have subtly changed his approach. Instead, three early setbacks hardened his mindset. Gavaskar feels that even naturally gifted batsmen can lose their rhythm once self-doubt sets in.
“Maybe the expectations are a little heavy on him. He’s a likable guy. If he had a good start in the first game, it could have been different. But now you can feel that the big guy, the six-goal scorer, the team’s No. 1 shot, could have been too much for him.” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
One of Gavaskar’s key takeaways was simple yet profound – give yourself time. In an urgency-driven format, this advice may sound counterintuitive. But the former captain emphasized that Abhishek doesn’t need to announce his arrival with a boundary or a powerful six. Gavaskar advised him to avoid playing on the edge of the line early in the innings and instead focus on playing straight, assessing the conditions and building a base. He argued that even a handful of point balls at the start should not cause panic.
The veteran noted that an inclination of Abhishek’s range can quickly compensate once settled. The key is to survive the early stages and let instincts take over naturally rather than forcing shots of glory from the first ball.
“I think with his batting range, he needs to give himself a bit more time in the middle. Don’t try to open his innings with a boundary or a six. If he can do that, fine – but he wants to play over the line for a big hit, no. Even if it’s a four-point ball, it doesn’t matter because in the next four to eight balls he can make up for it.” Gavaskar added.
Gavaskar on the main issue with Abhishek
Another concern mentioned by Gavaskar was predictability. The opposition players seem to have mapped Abhishek’s aggressive intent and set traps accordingly. Without early batting rotation or quick singles, the pressure increased and often led to foolish batting. Gavaskar emphasized the importance of getting off the mark of a small but psychologically significant milestone. Spinning batting, feeling the pitch and finding rhythm through singles can open up a batter’s timing and confidence.
“He has to play smart cricket. He has to get his legs going. He has to go off the mark. If you play in India, you have to go off the mark and everything will fall into place. His way out is very predictable. When he takes a few singles, you feel the pitch. Once he is set, he will score big,” Gavaskar added further.
Also READ: IND vs NED: Fans shocked as Abhishek Sharma celebrates third consecutive duck in T20 World Cup 2026
