Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has shed light on Abhishek Sharma’s form amid the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The former Bengal cricketer reckons Sharma’s stomach infection has led to his downfall. The former right-hander has urged the Indian opener to take his time before catapulting his attack. 

Abhishek has struggled to get going in the ongoing T20I showpiece, bagging three consecutive ducks against the USA, Pakistan and the Netherlands. Before the World Cup, Abhishek had scored 182 runs in five matches against New Zealand at a blistering strike rate of 250 but he is yet to open his account in the ongoing tournament.

“Sure, there is the law of averages that will be in play, but he needs to take care of his stomach as well. It is his stomach that has caused this problem. Since returning from that food poisoning break, he has not scored in 2 innings. According to me, he is rushing too much. Sometimes you have to respect bowlers, even they can bowl well, and land the ball in the right areas,” Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.

“If he thinks that way while coming out to bat, then he will look to play the ball safely which is not there to be hit straight or square. If he does that, then I am sure he will start firing soon,” he added.

On the other hand, former Indian fast bowler Mohit Sharma asked Abhishek to tone down his aggressive approach in the Super 8 stage of the tournament.

“I have said this before as well, this approach is a double-edged sword. When he scores runs, it looks great. But when he gets out early, it’s like why play that shot? It was not there to be hit, he could have taken some time and all that. You cannot play your entire career in one way. So, he needs to think about it. If he wishes to take some time instead of going all out to find his form, I don’t have a problem with it.” Mohit Sharma explained.

India will take on South Africa in their opening game of the Super 8 stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday.