India’s Abhishek Sharma has been under pressure due to low scores in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The 26-year-old opener has struggled for runs at the tournament, despite being India’s standout batter in the shortest format over the past two years.
He has managed just 80 runs in six matches, with a highest score of 55 against Zimbabwe. Three consecutive ducks at the start of the campaign have raised questions about his confidence.
Morkel’s Support for Sharma
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has backed Abhishek to rediscover his touch soon, stating that it is a tough phase for the left-hander.
Morkel highlighted how Sanju Samson famously bounced back from a similar lean patch with a match-winning knock against the West Indies.
“No, I think just sometimes this game can be hard on you, cruel on you, similar to the situation that Sanju found himself in,” he told reporters on the eve of India’s semi-final against England.
“In your career you’re going to find moments like this and this is good growth for him, it’s good learning for him, for a young sort of guy finding his feet in international cricket, this will only help him down the line and for Indian cricket.”
Sharma’s Previous Success Against England
Abhishek Sharma will be hoping he can rekindle the form he showcased the last time the two sides met in a T20I in Mumbai.
Just over a year ago, when India faced England at the Wankhede Stadium, the opener lit up the fixture with a breathtaking knock of 135 off just 54 balls.
“Abhishek, his way of playing is one or two shots that can find him that rhythm, that can give him that confidence back and that for me is a pleasing sign,” said Morkel.
“It’s a fresh page for him tomorrow, opportunity to go and do well, scored a hundred here against England not so long ago, so for him it’s just tapping into those little videos and looking at his feel-good moments and building a blueprint and knowing he’s starting on zero tomorrow, it’s a new opportunity for him and enough for him to make a play.”
India’s Semi-Final Clash with England
India will face England in a T20 World Cup semi-final for the third consecutive time, adding another chapter to what has become a gripping knockout rivalry between the two sides.
“I think playing against England, a team that is street smart, obviously there is a lot of quality in their side, batting quite long, deep, which makes them a very dangerous side, and then with the ball also, they have got wicked taking options.”
In the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales stitched together a record-breaking partnership to power England into the final.
Abhishek Sharma will have the opportunity to perform well, with Morkel suggesting he focus on his past successes against England to regain his confidence.