Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has downplayed concerns regarding Abhishek Sharma’s form amid the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. In the team’s opening match of the tournament, Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Abhishek then missed the second game against Namibia due to a stomach infection. In the high-octane game against Pakistan, Abhishek was once dismissed for a duck after facing four deliveries. Thus, the left-hander is yet to get off the mark in the T20 World Cup.
Kaif said Abhishek Sharma is a big match player, like former Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “There is no reason for concern here because when a playing XI takes the field, it is impossible for all eleven players to perform together every single time. Someone or the other will have an off day. In Abhishek Sharma’s case, we have seen this before. He has gone slightly out of form earlier too, but then he produces that one special innings. He is like Rohit Sharma, a big-match player.”
“Rohit’s approach has always been that even if he gets out a few times, it does not matter. When he gets going, he can score 29 runs in a single over on a big stage and completely change the game. Abhishek Sharma is that kind of player as well. So there is no need to panic. Two matches have gone by. Even if two, four, or five matches go by, it does not matter. With such players, you have to stand by them and back them,” he added.
On the other hand, Kaif lavished praise on Ishan Kishan for scoring a match-winning knock of 77 runs off just 40 balls against Pakistan.
Kaif concluded, “Just look at the preparation. Two months ago, he did not even know that he would be opening against Pakistan in a World Cup match. He had no idea he would get that opportunity. But when he got the chance and played, look at how he played. He dominated. If you look at his recent body language and listen to his statements, you can see a sense of calmness on his face. This is someone who did not even know whether he would ever make a comeback to the Indian team.”
India will next take on the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Wednesday.
