Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav backed Abhishek Sharma after the opener's disappointing T20I series against Zimbabwe. After struggling for runs throughout the series, Abhishek shared an emotional message on Instagram and promised to learn from the experience and come back stronger.
India completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep of Zimbabwe with a 35-run win at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, July 26. While Shreyas Iyer's team dominated the series, Abhishek endured a disappointing campaign. The left-handed batter managed only 11 runs and failed to reach double figures in any innings.
Suryakumar Yadav Backs Abhishek Sharma After Disappointing Zimbabwe T20I Series
After the series, Abhishek Sharma shared an emotional message on Instagram. The India opener admitted his disappointment after a poor series but promised to work harder and return stronger for the national team.
"It hurts when you can't give back what so many people believe you're capable of. But this game always rewards those who keep showing up. Happy that the team got the win. Will be back stronger," Abhishek wrote on Instagram.
Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav showed his support by reminding Abhishek of his match-winning performances over the past two years and urged him to stay confident.
"You have given so many reasons to smile for 2 years in a row boyyyy. Given glory to INDIA when it mattered the most. Matter of time. Be yourself," Suryakumar commented.
Suryakumar Yadav supporting Abhishek Sharma in his tough phase ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xM3PI5075P
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 27, 2026
How Poor Was Abhishek Sharma's Series Against Zimbabwe?
The Zimbabwe tour was one of Abhishek Sharma's toughest international assignments. He managed scores of 1, 8, and 2 in the three-match series, with Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani dismissing him in all three innings.
His struggles have continued over the last few T20I series. Since the Ireland tour, Abhishek has scored only one half-century and has failed to produce consistent starts at the top of the order.
His recent numbers underline the dip in form. Abhishek's last six T20I scores are 10, 16, 3, 1, 8, and 2. He has failed to cross 20 in any of those innings and has registered three consecutive single-digit scores.
During the 2025 season, Abhishek scored 859 runs in 21 T20I innings at an average of 42.95 and a strike rate of 193.46, including one century and five half-centuries.
Competition for India's Opening Spot Continues to Grow
India completed a comfortable 3-0 series sweep under Shreyas Iyer but Abhishek Sharma's form remains a concern. His struggles have increased competition for a place at the top of the order ahead of India's upcoming assignments.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made the most of his opportunity. The youngster finished as the leading run-scorer in the series and won both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
India also have experienced options waiting in the wings. Sanju Samson, who was the Player of the Tournament during India's successful 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, is still pushing for a regular place in the T20I side.
India's next T20I assignment is a three-match series against Afghanistan in September before the Asian Games and the home series against the West Indies in October. Abhishek will hope to regain his form and strengthen his place in India's plans.
