In a show of unwavering team spirit ahead of Sunday’s Super 8 opener against South Africa, India captain Suryakumar Yadav robustly defended opener Abhishek Sharma’s poor run in the T20 World Cup 2026. The Hyderabadi has drawn blanks so far – a first-ball duck to USA, followed by quick outs against Pakistan and Netherlands – raising eyebrows amid high stakes.
Suryakumar, the world’s top T20 batter, remained unfazed during Friday’s media interaction. He flipped the narrative: ‘People worry about Abhishek’s form? I’m thinking of opponents bowling to a guy with zero runs. Good luck to them.’ His words paint a picture of calculated calm, betting on Abhishek’s explosive potential to erupt soon.
Delving deeper, the skipper reflected on reciprocity in sport. ‘Last year, Abhishek covered for us seamlessly. Now, we return the favor. He just needs to play his game; the team’s there to support.’ This philosophy highlights cricket’s collaborative essence, especially under tournament pressure.
Support isn’t isolated. Bowling coach Morne Morkel had previously quashed benching rumors. ‘No talks in the group about his spot. He’s world-class, hitting beautifully in nets. Super 8 is here – expect fireworks from him.’ Abhishek’s history against South Africa bolsters optimism: 200 runs in eight outings, featuring a memorable fifty.
As India launches its Super 8 bid, Abhishek’s form reversal could ignite their title charge. Suryakumar’s backing isn’t mere words; it’s a rallying cry for unity, reminding all that true teams thrive on mutual trust during testing times.