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India may have beaten the USA by 29 runs in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener, but Group A has raised serious questions around Abhishek Sharma. Former India fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji feels the game exposed a big weakness in the team.
Abhishek Sharma’s early exit against the USA exposes India’s weak spot
The defending champions were in deep trouble after Abhishek Sharma got out on the very first ball he faced. Once the left-handed opener fell cheaply, India’s batting collapsed badly. At one stage, India was struggling at 77/6 in the 13th over, and the pressure was clear.
Luckily, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav then stepped up in style. He played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 84 runs from 49 balls and helped India reach 161/9 in 20 overs.
Later, a Mohammed Siraj-led bowling attack helped India secure a narrow win over the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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Lakshmipathy Balaji warns India over fragile opening formula
Now, the Men in Blue are all set to face Namibia on February 12 in their second Group A match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in Delhi. Ahead of this clash, Balaji revealed the major issue as he felt the Indian side is depending too much on Abhishek for quick starts.
Balaji pointed out that Ishan Kishan returned to the side with a bang; he is still settling in, meaning Abhishek Sharma does not have a strong and fixed opening partner who can take control if he fails.
Lakshmipathy Balaji said on Star Sports, “The start he provides is important. Though Ishan Kishan is playing well, he has come back only recently. So, Abhishek Sharma still doesn't have a set opening partner who can take over when he falls. The over-reliance on Abhishek Sharma is clear. India is struggling when he gets out early.”
Balaji sends a strong warning to Abhishek
The former Indian bowler also feels Abhishek needs to show more maturity at the start of the innings, as the teams have started setting smart fields against him, especially on the off side.
While the Punjab lad has great shot-making ability, Balaji feels the explosive batter must understand match situations better and avoid risky shots too early.
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Balaji further noted, “Teams are starting to set fields square on the offside for him. So, he has to bring some game awareness to the forefront. There is no doubt about his shot-making ability, but he should respect the bowlers and the conditions in the initial phase. So, if he can learn that, it'll massively benefit India.”
Balaji slams India’s decision against the USA
Meanwhile, the former Indian pacer also questioned the batting order during the collapse against the USA. He felt that big-hitter Shivam Dube came in at the wrong time. Dube walked in when the Men in Blue were already under pressure at 46/3 and was dismissed for a first-ball duck.
Balaji believes that Dube is more effective when he comes later in the innings, after a strong partnership is built. In such tense moments, Balaji feels experience is very important. He suggested that players like Hardik Pandya or Axar Patel could have handled the pressure better.
Axar has experience across formats and has played many steady innings in difficult situations. Balaji also explained why Pandya is usually held back for the final overs because of his power-hitting. But in a crisis like against the USA, experienced players should step in earlier to control the damage.
