Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold statement on the struggling India opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.
Abhishek Sharma has been going through a lean patch. The 25-year-old managed only one half-century in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2025 so far, and he was dismissed for three ducks. Despite his poor form, he tried attacking shots and lost his wicket for just 9 runs in the semifinal against England at the Wankhede Stadium, where batters enjoyed their time on Thursday.
Even though the left-hander has struggled badly in the tournament, Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the defending champions should still trust the youngster for the title clash against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The former Indian off-spinner feels dropping Abhishek before such a huge game would be a wrong move. Ashwin even called the Indian opener a special talent and believes that he only needs to control his attacking instincts and play according to the situation.
Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’: “Abhishek Sharma has that factor. In the series against New Zealand, he was in top form. He has batted well against Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry in the past. So, I wouldn't be too fussed about Abhishek. But I would like to have a conversation with him. I would tell him, ‘Listen, there’s a plan against you. 'So don't try hard to hit the ball.”
Ashwin questions Abhishek’s approach despite being a big fan of his talent
Abhishek started aggressively against the England spinner Will Jacks and struck a couple of boundaries. But while trying to dominate again, he mistimed a big shot and lost his wicket early. Ashwin called Abhishek’s batting “headless” despite calling him a “big fan of his gameplay."
This was actually the fourth time Abhishek fell to a spinner in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Earlier, Salman Ali Agha, Aryan Dutt, and Akeal Hosein got the better of him in the tournament.
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Ashwin has pointed out that when Sanju Samson is batting well at the other end, Abhishek should have been careful, as sometimes rotating strike and building the innings instead of forcing big shots is the best option, especially when he is struggling with the bat.
Ashwin urges India to keep faith in Abhishek Sharma
The former Indian all-rounder also suggested that the head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav should keep Abhishek relaxed before the final. He feels putting extra pressure on a naturally attacking player can backfire and urged the team management to give him confidence.
Ashwin signed off by saying, “Abhishek is a damn good talent, but I just want to know what sort of conversations are being had with him. Is he coming under too much pressure? If you give him more pressure, then he will look to hit the ball harder. He is a fluid player who relies on timing. You have to keep him in good space, and I will continue with him.”
Read Also: Sanju Samson piles pressure on Abhishek Sharma before T20 World Cup final with blunt message
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