Team India secured their passage into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026, but concerns remain over opener Abhishek Sharma’s form, as the young batsman was dismissed for 10 off 11 balls, continuing a difficult run in the tournament.
India vs West Indies: Scorecard | Highlights
Abhishek’s struggles have become a focus of discussion as India prepares to face England in the second semifinal following their five-wicket win over the West Indies in Kolkata. The opener scored a fifty against Zimbabwe but once again failed to make the most of his chance in Kolkata. Abhishek has scored 80 runs in six matches with an average of 13.33 and a strike-rate of 131.14. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Kumble said that the opener’s head seems to be a bit muddled at the moment and there is a clear lack of confidence.
“The head is a bit muddled. There is lack of confidence. You want others to take the pressure off and India have done well. Now that India have won, he’ll say, I need to start contributing. England will pose a different challenge. They also have Jacks. I don’t see Harry Brook holding back Jacks. He has bowled in the powerplay, so he bowls well,” said Kumble.
However, Kumble also said that Abhishek shouldn’t be dropped from the side for the semi-final.
‘NO FINGER POINTING FOR NOW’
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis commented on the situation and said that India’s win will shield Abhishek for now. Du Plessis said that the conversation now will be if the opener can turn things around in the semi-final.
“The nice thing is that they won. When you are winning, the guy that is out of form gets carried by the team. If you lose, there is finger-pointing. A guy needs to take the brunt of the loss. So, if India would have lost tonight, there would have been a lot of finger-pointing at him. So now there is a hopeful outlook – can he do it in the semifinals or can he turn it around?” du Plessis said.
India will be taking on England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on March 5 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
