Team India’s campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has suddenly hit turbulence. After cruising through the league stage with four consecutive victories, the India national cricket team suffered a heavy 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in their opening Super 8 fixture. The loss has not only dented India’s momentum but also brought their batting unit under the spotlight. One player who has faced intense scrutiny is young opener Abhishek Sharma.
For Abhishek, the tournament has been a frustrating one so far. It took the left-hander four innings to register his first run in the competition. After three consecutive ducks, he finally broke the sequence with a boundary against South Africa. However, his brief knock of 15 runs off 12 deliveries hardly reflected the aggressive style that made him one of India’s most exciting T20 prospects over the past year. The lack of a significant contribution has only increased the pressure on the 25-year-old opener.
India’s upcoming clash against the Zimbabwe national cricket team could provide the perfect opportunity for him to bounce back. Interestingly, former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis believes the young Indian batter still has a big performance left in him during the tournament.
ALSO READ: Chennai Metro Offers Free Rides For Fans Attending India vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup Clash
“Tactically, the game has got so smart with analysts and the way that they are trying to get you out,” Faf du Plessis told ESPNcricinfo. Du Plessis pointed out that teams have started adjusting their field placements specifically for Abhishek’s strengths. “What I have picked up of late with Abhishek is people are now putting a deep point out and a deep extra cover out because he is so good at hitting the ball through the offside,” he explained.
Abhishek has built a reputation for his powerful offside hitting, particularly in the Indian Premier League. But opposing teams have clearly studied his game. Bowlers are now targeting him with slower deliveries, forcing him into mistimed strokes.
“Teams are targeting him with slower deliveries because he has such a graceful swing. The strategy is to take the pace off the ball against someone with a long swing,” Faf du Plessis said. The South African star also shared how he personally approaches slower balls, highlighting how batters need to adjust their movement and timing. “When facing slower balls, I either step down the wicket to generate my own pace or stay back to adjust for the slower delivery, ensuring my hands are not ahead of the ball,” he said.
While du Plessis avoided directly advising the Indian youngster, he acknowledged the pressure young players face at global tournaments.
“There will be 1000 opinions, 50 coaches. Everyone will want to give their five cents to Abhishek and the way he should bat,” he said. “And it’s a tough place to be if you’re a young guy, 25 years old, in your first World Cup with so many expectations. He has bossed the last year, smashed every bowling attack all over the place.”
ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Match 48 (India vs Zimbabwe) – Probable XIs
Despite the difficult start, Faf du Plessis remains confident that Abhishek will eventually deliver a match-winning performance in the tournament.
“I have no doubt, give him a couple more innings, the youngster will come through, and he will have an amazing innings somewhere in this World Cup,” he concluded.
