Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav recently shared backing star India opener Abhishek Sharma despite his poor form in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He also revealed that he identified him as one of the players who could help him win the coveted ICC trophy as well. However, Abhishek’s form came under scrutiny after a string of poor shows in the marquee event. He repaid the team management’s faith with a stunning knock in the final against New Zealand. He scored 52 runs off just 21 balls at a strike rate of 247.62, helping India get off to a flying start as well.
Speaking about why he backed Abhishek Sharma during the form slump, Suryakumar Yadav said on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel: “When I became the captain in 2024, the first time I saw him, I understood that this is a player who will win me the World Cup. Then, with how he played throughout the year, he was the No. 1 batter in T20Is and finished half the game in the powerplay itself. I wanted a player who could do those things. I was completely dazzled.”
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“I told him that irrespective of anything, play in the same fashion till the World Cup because this is your identity. He started in the World Cup and could not score. I didn’t talk to him at all. The coach also didn’t say anything because he knew what this player can do if he batted for just six overs. Before the final, he was thinking, ‘Main karunga aap ke liye paaji (I will do it for you).’ I told him that there is no responsibility or pressure on you; just show me your game. There is no problem if you get out while trying to hit a six on the first ball,” he further added.
Suryakumar Yadav also added that India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 stage was a wake-up call for them as well. He also recalled how the players regrouped after the setback and they were determined to push harder as well.
“After the India-South Africa match in Ahmedabad, we realized that we were going to do something special. Sab log ka screw achanak se tight ho gaya (everyone suddenly got charged up). Everyone started seeing each other, thinking, now we will have to do something. There is a very thin line between it will happen, and you have to make it happen. Everyone pushes together in that,” Suryakumar Yadav concluded.
