Gautam Gambhir in serious chat with out-of-form Abhishek Sharma in team bus – WATCH
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, engaged in a serious conversation with opening batsman Abhishek Sharma inside the team bus following their arrival in Chennai for the T20 World Cup. The video of their intense discussion has gone viral on social media, capturing attention as the duo prepared for a crucial match against Zimbabwe. Abhishek, despite showing promise as one of India's brightest young players, has struggled during the tournament, accumulating just 15 runs across four matches. His recent dismissal for 15 runs in the loss to South Africa highlighted his inconsistent form, raising concerns about India's top order ahead of the Super 8 stage.
The conversation between Gambhir and Abhishek likely focused on technical or tactical adjustments needed to improve his performance. With the stakes high in the Super 8 matches, India is banking on Abhishek to rediscover his rhythm quickly. The upcoming clash against Zimbabwe at MA Chidambaram Stadium is a must-win game for India, with the semifinal race heating up and the need for a strong start from the top order.
India's recent defeat to South Africa dented their momentum, further emphasizing the importance of Abhishek's performance in the next match. His prolonged lean patch has sparked debates among fans and analysts about his ability to handle pressure at this stage of the tournament. Gambhir's intervention could be a turning point, offering guidance that might help Abhishek bounce back and contribute effectively to the team's success.
This situation underscores the challenges faced by young players in high-pressure environments and the role of experienced coaches like Gambhir in mentoring them through critical moments. As India aims to defend their title, the outcome of Abhishek's performance will play a significant role in determining their chances in the tournament.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026