In the high-stakes world of T20 World Cup 2026, form slumps can be brutal, but Team India’s leadership is standing firm behind their struggling opener Abhishek Sharma. Ahead of Sunday’s Super 8 opener versus South Africa in Ahmedabad, captain Suryakumar Yadav delivered a strong message of support, turning the narrative from concern to confidence.
Abhishek’s tournament has been a disaster so far: a golden duck against USA, early exits against Pakistan and Netherlands. Zero runs from three innings have raised eyebrows, but Suryakumar isn’t losing sleep. ‘People worried about Abhishek’s form? I’m thinking about opponents playing against him when he hasn’t scored yet. You know what happens next,’ he said with a grin during Friday’s press conference.
Delving deeper into team dynamics, Suryakumar highlighted reciprocity. ‘It’s a team game. Things fluctuate. He just needs to stick to his identity. We’re there to cover if needed. He covered for us all last year; now we return the favor.’ This philosophy underscores India’s cohesive unit, even under pressure.
Support isn’t isolated to the skipper. Bowling coach Morne Morkel echoed the sentiment earlier, quashing any talk of changes. ‘Zero conversation in our group about it. Abhishek is world-class. Tournament luck hasn’t favored him yet, but with Super 8s here, he’ll shine – not just for us, but for spectators who love his entertaining style. Nets sessions show he’s primed; it’s about starting strong and anchoring innings.’
Statistically, Abhishek boasts a solid history against South Africa: 200 runs across 8 outings, featuring a memorable fifty versus the Proteas, last year’s World Cup finalists. As India launches its Super 8 bid, Abhishek’s redemption arc could define their campaign, proving Suryakumar’s faith justified.