Key Highlights
- Abhishek Sharma’s form in the T20 World Cup is under scrutiny despite a confident batting coach.
- The Indian team’s upcoming match against the Netherlands is crucial for Abhishek’s performance.
- Sitanshu Kotak, the batting coach, remains optimistic about Abhishek’s ability to score runs.
- Meticulous planning by opposition teams highlights Abhishek’s importance in India’s lineup.
The T20 World Cup Dilemma: Abhishek Sharma’s Performance under Scrutiny
Abhishek Sharma, the dashing left-handed opener for India, is currently facing a moment of truth during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Despite his reputation as a prolific run-scorer in limited-overs cricket, Sharma has struggled to find form early in the tournament.
In the first two matches against the USA and Pakistan, he amassed four ducks, sandwiched between a severe stomach infection that affected his performance significantly. His batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, believes that opponents’ meticulous planning is a testament to his threat on the field.
Sharma’s Challenges and Coach’s Perspective
Kotak highlighted the level of preparation by opposing teams as a reason for Sharma’s poor form. He explained that a player like Abhishek, who has instilled fear in opponents, requires careful planning from the other side. Kotak stated, “Meticulous planning by the opposition — the USA and Pakistan — means he is yet to score his first run in the World Cup.”
Kotak’s confidence in Sharma remains unwavering.
He emphasized that despite two ducks, Abhishek has a clear plan and mindset that will help him perform well when needed. Kotak further added, “Last game he got out in first over. So one thing we definitely do, we unnecessarily don’t over-analyse.”
Pre-Match Preparations: A Long and Lonely Grind
The Indian team’s batting coach observed that Abhishek spent significant time working on his range against spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar during the optional nets session. While he was unable to achieve ideal connections, Kotak noted a better flow in his bat swing.
Kotak’s approach is rooted in maintaining mental resilience for Abhishek. He stated, “If we start stressing so much, I think players will be under unnecessary pressure.
So he’s in a good form. He’s got clear plans. He’s got a clear mindset. And that is what matters.”
Team’s High-Risk Template and Sharma’s Role
The Indian team has adopted a high-risk template in the T20 format, with every batter pressured to start strongly. This strategy has been successful for them but puts immense pressure on players like Abhishek who have not scored runs consistently.
However, Kotak believes that Abhishek’s importance cannot be understated. He highlighted how opponents are already concerned about his performance and that is a positive sign.
Kotak concluded by saying, “Playing aggressive cricket is important but not because of a player’s couple of failures will change. If anything, the plans will change according to situations.”
The upcoming match against the Netherlands provides Abhishek with another opportunity to regain his form before the T20 World Cup’s business end gets underway.
