‘Expectations weighing him down’: Sunil Gavaskar reveals how Abhishek Sharma can survive T20 World Cup test
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 19, 2026
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India’s T20 World Cup campaign has been thrown into focus as young opener Abhishek Sharma struggles under immense pressure, according to legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. With expectations weighing heavily on his shoulders, Abhishek has endured a disappointing start, scoring ducks in three consecutive matches against the USA, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Gavaskar, speaking on Star Sports, highlighted how the burden of being India’s top-ranked T20I batter and one of its most feared six-hitters is impacting Sharma’s performance.
Gavaskar emphasized that Abhishek’s aggressive instincts are working against him early in his innings, urging him to resist the urge for instant big shots. Instead, the veteran advised focusing on building the innings patiently by taking small singles, settling into the game, and avoiding forcing boundaries on the first few balls. “Take a single and get off the mark,” Gavaskar stressed. “Even four dot balls don’t matter. Once he gets that first run, everything will fall into place.”
The former Indian captain also praised all-rounder Shivam Dube for his explosive performance against the Netherlands, where he scored an impressive 66 runs to help India secure a 17-run win. Gavaskar noted how Dube’s wide range of shots makes him difficult to bowl to and suggested that refining his inside-out shot over extra cover could make him even more dangerous.
Additionally, spinner Varun Chakravarthy has proven crucial for India, claiming three wickets in just 14 runs during the match against the Netherlands. Gavaskar highlighted how key bowlers like Chakravarthy are essential to the team’s success, not only by taking wickets but also by restricting the opposition’s run tally.
Gavaskar’s insights offer valuable perspective on the challenges faced by young players in high-stakes tournaments like the T20 World Cup. His advice to Abhishek underscores the importance of patience and adaptability in managing expectations and pressure, which are critical skills for any cricketer aiming to excel at the highest level. As India continues its quest for a successful campaign, the performance of these key players will be crucial in determining the team’s fate.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026