In the high-stakes arena of T20 World Cup 2026, Abhishek Sharma’s struggles have raised eyebrows. Zeroes against two opponents, including a quick exit off four balls versus Pakistan, paint a picture of concern. But Piyush Chawla, India’s seasoned former spinner, begs to differ. In a candid chat with JioHotstar, he explained why Sharma’s form slump is merely a blip.
‘Over the last 18 months, Abhishek has proven his class time and again,’ Chawla emphasized. ‘He thrives on calculated risks, turning them into explosive innings. You just need to give him breathing space to rediscover that rhythm.’
Breaking down the opener’s technique, Chawla noted specific vulnerabilities. ‘Bowlers have slim margins for error against him. His strike rate suffers briefly with a shiny new ball aimed at that narrow slot for swing. Beyond that, he’s a run-machine with an elevated scoring rate.’
India’s dominant run under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership – three wins on the trot – has secured Super 8 qualification. The final group clash against Netherlands looms on Wednesday, and Chawla foresees a tactical switch: Arshdeep Singh stepping in for Kuldeep Yadav, adding pace to the mix.