Abhishek Sharma’s lean patch has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of India’s Super 8 clash against South Africa. Former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim believes the opener can turn it around, but only if he shows greater patience at the top of the order.
India take on South Africa in Ahmedabad on February 22 in what promises to be a high-intensity contest between the 2024 finalists. While India have marched into the Super 8s unbeaten, Abhishek’s form has remained under the scanner after three successive ducks in the group stage.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Karim said Abhishek must resist the urge to dominate from ball one and instead trust his process against quality bowling attacks.
“A little patience will benefit Abhishek Sharma because the opposition are well aware of his preparations, not just Abhishek but all players. Now, Abhishek needs to break that pattern. He’s now aware that if he has to play long-term and return to form, then he has to prepare against such bowling attacks.”
“Abhishek Sharma is going through a phase that disturbs a lot of players. It will be a big test for Abhishek. If he takes time and plays with a straight bat and lets go of the pressure of scoring at 200-225 strike rates from the first ball, then there will be no problem. There shouldn’t be any change in approach, but you can tweak your game to catch up with his batting style. If he can play one or two overs well, then he can easily compensate,” Karim added.
WHAT IS GOING WRONG WITH ABHISHEK SHARMA?
The numbers underline the concern. Abhishek has faced just eight deliveries in this T20 World Cup and is yet to score a run. He fell for a duck against the USA, missed the Namibia game due to illness, and then returned to register ducks against Pakistan and the Netherlands.
In Colombo, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha dismissed him early, while in Ahmedabad, off-spinner Aryan Dutt exposed similar vulnerabilities. Across his last seven T20Is, Abhishek has five ducks, the most by an Indian in a single calendar year in the format, and the year has only just begun.
For a batter who entered the tournament as the World No. 1 in T20Is and one of India’s most aggressive top-order options, the dip has been stark. Several pundits have suggested that he needs to spend more time at the crease before looking for big shots.
INDIA CONTINUE TO BACK ABHISHEK
Even with the spotlight intensifying outside, the mood inside the Indian camp remains steady. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has brushed aside talk of dropping Abhishek, signalling that the team management sees this as a temporary phase rather than a structural issue.
India’s unbeaten group-stage run has helped keep the debate from escalating further. Abhishek is set to retain his place for the South Africa clash, and even Proteas coach Shukri Conrad has declined to label him as a soft target.
With the margins tightening in the Super 8 stage, India will hope their explosive opener finds rhythm at the right time.
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