Abhishek Sharma to get dropped? India coach makes fresh admission amid poor T20 World Cup form
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India’s T20 World Cup campaign has hit a snag as opener Abhishek Sharma struggles with three consecutive ducks in the group stage. Despite his poor form, the team management remains steadfast in their support for him. Bowling coach Morne Morkel dismissed any notion of dropping Sharma, emphasizing his potential to deliver for both the team and fans. However, experts like former captain Sunil Gavaskar have pointed out that the pressure of being a high-profile player is affecting Sharma’s approach at the crease. Gavaskar advised him to adopt a more patient strategy, focusing on building an innings rather than forcing boundaries from the start.
Sharma’s struggles have raised questions about his mental game, with Gavaskar suggesting that the young batter might be overcompensating by trying to hit sixes from the first ball. This pressure seems to stem from heightened expectations following his strong performances leading up to the tournament. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has echoed confidence in Sharma’s ability to bounce back, citing his solid form during training sessions after recovering from illness.
India’s reliance on Sharma as a key player is evident, given his role as the opening batter and his potential to anchor the innings. His performance will be crucial as India aims to progress further in the T20 World Cup. While the team remains optimistic, Sharma’s ability to adapt under pressure will determine whether he can turn his fortunes around and contribute effectively to their campaign.
The stakes are high for India, who are aiming to build on their strong start and secure a place in the knockout stages. With Abhishek Sharma’s form under scrutiny, the team’s reliance on other players like Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma becomes even more critical. The tournament has highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistency under pressure, particularly for young players like Sharma, who are expected to deliver at a global stage.
In conclusion, Abhishek Sharma’s current form is a microcosm of India’s broader T20 World Cup journey—filled with promise but also fraught with uncertainty. His ability to navigate this pressure will not only impact his personal career but also the team’s chances of success in the tournament. As the competition intensifies, all eyes remain on Sharma and whether he can rise to the occasion and fulfill his potential.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026