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.

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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.