'I won’t change...' - Abhishek Sharma opens up on batting approach and handling pressure ahead of clash against SA in T20 World Cup 2026

India's star opener Abhishek Sharma has been going through a lean patch, having scored three consecutive ducks in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. While the coaches, captain, and Abhishek himself are not worried about this, he has received much criticism ahead of India's Super 8 matches. 

The left-handed batter opened up about how he handles pressure during tough matches. India will play against South Africa, the West Indies, and Zimbabwe in the Super 8, and all the matches are going to be competitive since the teams are unbeaten in the tournament. Abhishek revealed that he has stopped taking pressure while batting, which has created a huge change in his batting performance. 

"I enjoy my batting. I stopped taking pressure two years ago because I feel that the only process in my hands is practice and training, which I always have to do, and it will only increase with time. I enjoy this. So there is no pressure as such, and as a batsman, everyone's form fluctuates, but at one point I feel that I have to play like this. I have to play in this style, and I will not make any changes in it," said Abhishek Sharma in the video. 

Watch the video here:

Will Sanju Samson replace Abhishek Sharma in SA match?

Abhishek Sharma has received an immense amount of criticism after scoring three ducks in the T20 World Cup 2026. Some cricket experts have anticipated Abhishek's snub ahead of the upcoming South Africa match, giving Sanju Samson a chance in the Super 8. Refuting the claims, Captain Suryakumar Yadav has opened up about the importance of the left-handed batter in the squad. 

"I am worried about the people who are worrying about Abhishek Sharma. I am more concerned for the teams that will face him later. It is a team sport. These things happen. He covered for us last year. We are covering for him now," said Suryakumar Yadav as quoted by RevSports. 

India will play against South Africa on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This will be their first Super 8 match. After that, the Men in Blue will clash against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. The top two teams will proceed to the semi-finals.