Kapil Dev fires Abhishek Sharma blunt warning ahead of India vs Pakistan clash

Kapil Dev shares his views on Abhishek Sharma: The T20 World Cup 2026 has already been exciting to watch. Fans are just one sleep away from the blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash in the major ICC event. India has the upper hand against their fiercest rivals, leading by 7-1. The last time Pakistan defeated India in the T20 World Cup was back in 2021.

Ahead of the match, the former cricketers and pundits are all excited. Former India captain Kapil Dev has shared his views on the India vs Pakistan excitement and the buildup to the game. He joined an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport, speaking his heart out on the game.

Kapil Dev shares his thoughts on India vs Pakistan

While talking about the drama of Pakistan boycotting the marquee fixture, which ended after three weeks, he said, “I think administrators have to look after this issue. As sportspersons, we love to play. We should not interfere in that. People like us, cricketers, I feel should not give our opinion. It’s the country and cricket board. I will like to support my country. Period. Nothing is bigger than my country.”

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Kapil Dev also shared his views about the way Abhishek Sharma bats in the powerplay, and also shared his views on the batter’s future if the latter continues to play the way he does in the shortest format of the game.

Kapil Dev in full praise of Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma has been India’s best batter post the 2024 T20 World Cup. He changed the dynamics of opening the innings. In nearly every three balls, he has smashed a boundary in T20s, which is a sensational record. Abhishek Sharma has the most runs for India since his debut in the shortest format of the game.

Kapil Dev said, “I think today the need of the hour is that (style of batting), and if you hit the first ball six, why not! You need the ability. If he continues doing the same for 2–3 years, then people will say what a great player we have got. And at the moment, a lot of bowlers will be planning how to get him out, what to do, what not to do.”

“Give him time, first year I can understand, he does have the talent and ability. Third year in international cricket will be most important for him, how he manages himself.”

Will Abhishek Sharma feature against Pakistan?

However, he did not have the best of starts to the T20 World Cup campaign, being out on a duck on the very first match and having missed out on India’s second game against Namibia as he struggled with stomach issues and was hospitalized. However, ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash, he has travelled to Colombo with the team.

Abhishek’s participation on Sunday will be dependent on his fitness and how he trains in the final training session on Saturday evening. After that, the final call will be taken by the management as they would not want to risk their best batter just for one game.

If Abhishek Sharma is not fit on Sunday, Sanju Samson will open the innings with Ishan Kishan, as the duo did in the Namibia game.

Also Read: Babar Azam T20I stats vs India: Can he silence critics and rewrite his IND vs PAK narrative?