IND vs ZIM: India hope batters improve against off-spinners in must-win game
Times of India
by DWAIPAYAN DATTAFebruary 26, 2026
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India’s batting struggles, particularly against off-spinners, have cast a shadow over their campaign in the T20 World Cup. The opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who were once seen as key strengths for the team, have underperformed significantly. With an average of 6.8, they are struggling to find consistency at the top, which has left India in a precarious position heading into their must-win match against Zimbabwe.
The issue is centered around Abhishek’s poor form, who has failed to capitalize on his opportunities, including three consecutive ducks and a recent 12-ball 15. Despite having a long batting session, he remains under pressure to deliver. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak expressed confidence in the young batter, stating that he is close to rediscovering his rhythm but acknowledges that external factors like health and momentum have affected his performance.
The broader challenge lies in India’s inability to handle off-spin bowling effectively. Both the openers and the middle order have struggled to rotate strike and score at a competitive rate against spin. With Zimbabwe expected to exploit this weakness, Kotak emphasized the need for targeted practice sessions. The team has already started working on this by inviting Tamil Nadu age-group off-spinners to simulate match conditions.
Abhishek’s struggles are not isolated; Tilak Varma, batting at No. 3, has also underperformed, with a strike rate well below his career average. Kotak explained that Tilak’s approach is context-driven, focusing on partnerships rather than forcing boundaries, but admitted that this needs to improve. The coach remains optimistic, hoping for small improvements like Abhishek hitting a few early boundaries and the middle order maintaining momentum.
With the tournament at a critical stage, India’s ability to overcome these challenges will determine their chances of defending the title. The batting unit’s resilience against spin bowling, coupled with strategic adjustments, will be key factors in turning their fortunes around.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/26/2026