Is India’s Star Batter Cracking Under Pressure? Cricket legends Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting think not. Despite a disappointing run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, these cricketing giants are standing firmly behind Abhishek Sharma, believing he’s got the fire to ignite when it matters most. But here's where it gets controversial: should India stick with a struggling opener, or is it time for a tactical shuffle?
In a recent interview with Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, Shastri emphasized that any decision about Abhishek’s place in the semi-final against England must hinge on his mental state. “Unless the team management feels he’s not mentally there, I’d back him,” Shastri stated. He highlighted the importance of judging Abhishek’s mindset through conversations and net sessions, rather than solely relying on his tournament stats—a modest 80 runs in six matches at an average of 13.33.
Abhishek’s numbers may be underwhelming, but Ponting echoes Shastri’s faith, urging trust in the batter’s attacking instincts. “He hasn’t delivered as expected, but I’d still stick with him,” Ponting admitted. Both legends recall Abhishek’s explosive 54-ball 135 against England at the Wankhede Stadium, a performance that underscores his potential to be a game-changer.
Shastri outlined the only scenario where he’d consider a batting order tweak: if Abhishek’s mental state is visibly compromised. In that case, Ishan Kishan, who’s had a stellar tournament with 224 runs from seven games, could move up the order, with Rinku Singh slotting in at the bottom. “But I’d still persist with Abhishek,” Shastri added, “because he’s proven himself against England before.”
And this is the part most people miss: India’s depth is their strength. Even if Abhishek falters, the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya have all stepped up with over 150 runs each. Ponting noted, “Abhishek’s a match-winner on his day, but if he’s left out, Rinku Singh is another match-winner waiting in the wings.”
Ponting also suggested a mental reset could be the key to unlocking Abhishek’s brilliance. “Sometimes, stepping away from the nets for a couple of days can work wonders,” he explained. “The skills don’t disappear, but a fresh mind can make all the difference.”
As defending champions India prepare to face England in the semi-final on 5 March at the Wankhede Stadium, the question remains: Will Abhishek rise to the occasion, or will India’s depth prove to be their saving grace?
What do you think? Should India stick with Abhishek, or is it time to bring in fresh talent? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
