Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed surprise on Abhishek Sharma’s struggle in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. In the last one year, Abhishek has been the best batter in T20Is but he is yet to hit the straps in the ongoing T20I showpiece.

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.

Ashwin wants Abhishek to get back into form in the Super 8 stage match against South Africa

“Abhishek Sharma is a player who has come in with some form but is yet to get off the mark. That is quite surprising and audacious. In many ways something that is not believable. He has been the player to watch out for in the fraternity and there have been some questions raised. There are many talented players in India and there is one sitting on the bench and there have been question marks. But Surya has handled it well. Abhishek can use this game to take some time and come back to form,” he said on his YouTube channel.

The former off-spinner said India could find themselves in trouble if they are asked to chase down a par score on a tricky wicket.

“Going by what has happened recently, India’s biggest pitfall could be having to chase a good score on pitches that are not absolutely placid and with no dew coming in later on. They have got an X factor bowling line-up, which again stands out.”

The former Tamil Nadu spinner India will enter the contest as favorites against South Africa.

“India are favorites heading into this game. But they will also be a bit jittery knowing that South Africa have got some firepower. On their day, in this format, they can turn the heat on,” he said.

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