IND vs RSA: 'Save your best for the...' - Ravi Shastri's interesting take on Abhishek Sharma's three ducks in T20 World Cup 2026

Ahead of Team India’s Super-8 clash against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026, the spotlight has firmly been on opener Abhishek Sharma. The left-handed batter, who entered the tournament with high expectations, has struggled to find rhythm and has endured a hat-trick of ducks, raising concerns over his form at a crucial stage of the competition. However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has offered a contrasting perspective, rather than viewing the lean patch as a setback.

Ravi Shastri described it as a positive sign, suggesting that such phases are part of a young cricketer’s growth curve. His remarks underline confidence in Abhishek Sharma’s potential to bounce back strongly when it matters most, reinforcing the belief within the camp despite the recent setbacks.

Abhishek Sharma enjoyed a prolific run in T20 internationals in 2025, emerging as Team India’s highest run-scorer with 859 runs in 21 matches at an impressive average of 42.95 and a staggering strike rate of 193.46. However, the left-handed opener has endured a dramatic dip in form during the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, failing to open his account and registering a hat-trick of ducks. His lean patch has sparked widespread discussion, particularly given the high expectations surrounding him, and with the Super-8 and knockout stages approaching, his role at the top of the order is expected to be pivotal.

Abhishek Sharma’s Three Consecutive Ducks a Positive Sign for Team India

Most Indian fans are worried about Abhishek Sharma's form, who has scored three consecutive zeroes. Still, Ravi Shastri described it as a positive sign for Team India and hopes that the young opener will perform well in important matches.

Ahead of the Super-8 match against South Africa, Shastri said on ICC Review:

"I look at it as a positive that Abhishek Sharma has got three zeros. So, save your best for the important periods in the tournament. Teams will be a little worried that he's not got runs.”

The Indian camp is also not worried about Abhishek Sharma's form, confirmed by captain Suryakumar Yadav himself. On Saturday, in a pre-match conference, Surya said that I am concerned about the people who are worrying about Abhishek. I am more concerned about the teams that will face Abhishek later. He did everything last year; now it's our turn to support him.