BCCI selector steps in to protect Abhishek Sharma from 4th straight duck

India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma, who once ruled the T20 charts with fearless hitting, now faces a nightmare in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The pressure is rising fast on Abhishek Sharma after registering three ducks in three games he has played in the tournament.

Abhishek Sharma's repeated mistakes at the T20 World Cup 2026

In the last two group games, the left-handed batter fell in a similar way against Pakistan and then the Netherlands. He went for a big pull shot against spin. Bowlers have read his plan. They are tempting him early, and he is taking the bait and losing his wicket.

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Still, the Indian cricket team management backs Abhishek Sharma. But the noise outside is getting louder. Amidst the heavy scrutiny, former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth has come out in support of Abhishek and urged the think tank to back him, saying he only needs self-assessment.

Kris Srikkanth urges calm and self-assessment

Kris Srikkanth said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, "This dismissal—he slogged and got out. When you’ve scored ducks in the first two games, take time for two balls at least. There is nothing wrong in getting your eye in. There must be something wrong with you if you are getting out for ducks. You only have to assess it yourselves and take a few balls.”

Srikkanth felt that the way Abhishek Sharma got out against the Netherlands showed that he was nervous and under pressure. He said the shot looked like he was trying too hard. Yet, the former chief selector reminded the cricket world that even the best T20 batters go through bad phases sometimes.

World Cup winner's wise advice for Abhishek Sharma

The 1983 World Cup winner feels Abhishek does not need to change his natural attacking game, but he must calm down at the start. He advised the Indian opener must take a few balls. Just settle. Just see the pitch. There is no shame in playing it safe for the first few deliveries.

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He further explained, “I would tell Abhishek not to change his game but just take slightly more time. Just get the feel of it initially. You play across the line when your mind is not in control.”

Earlier, the Punjab lad was hospitalized in Delhi due to a severe stomach infection, which led him to miss one T20 World Cup 2026 group match, and he also reportedly lost some weight.

No need to change the game, just show patience

Srikkanth has also defended the young Indian opener’s approach. In wise advice for Abhishek, the former Indian captain has pointed out that even aggressive batters like Ishan Kishan take a few balls before going big, and the latter needs that small pause to change things for him.

He signed off by saying, “Why are you trying to smash every ball, Abhishek? Try to play four balls within the crease. There is nothing wrong with that. As a player, you have to make some personal adjustments. The world is cruel. People will praise when you are doing brilliantly, but they’ll criticize in a stretch like this.”