“No Discussion” – India Back Abhishek Despite 3 Ducks Before SA Clash

• India national cricket team enter Super 8s of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Group 1 with West Indies, Zimbabwe & South Africa.
• Opener Abhishek Sharma has three ducks in group stage but will retain his spot.
• Bowling coach Morne Morkel backs him, calls him “world-class.”
• India face South Africa national cricket team on Feb 22 in Ahmedabad.

India Back Abhishek Sharma Despite Three Ducks Ahead of Super 8 Clash vs South Africa

Team India are gearing up for the high-stakes Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, having been placed in Group 1 alongside West Indies, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Their Super 8 campaign begins on February 22 in Ahmedabad, where they will face South Africa in a crucial opening fixture.

While the team’s qualification has been smooth, the spotlight has firmly settled on young opener Abhishek Sharma. The aggressive left-hander has endured a tough group stage, registering three consecutive ducks in as many matches. The poor run of form sparked speculation about his place in the XI for the Super 8 opener.

However, India’s management has dismissed any talk of dropping the youngster.

Morne Morkel Backs Abhishek Sharma

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel strongly defended Abhishek during a pre-match press conference, making it clear that there has been no internal discussion about benching him.

“Absolutely no discussion in our team group about that. He is a world-class player. So far in the tournament, luckily, we’ve had other guys standing up with Abhishek not scoring the runs you would like.”

Morkel expressed confidence that the 23-year-old will deliver when it matters most.

“We’re going through a very important phase of the World Cup now, and I’m pretty sure he’s going to deliver. He’s hitting the ball well in the nets. It’s just a matter of getting that start.”

The support signals India’s faith in Abhishek’s attacking style, which has been a cornerstone of their powerplay strategy.

Abhishek’s Numbers Tell a Bigger Story

Despite the current slump, Abhishek Sharma’s T20I numbers remain impressive.

• 2026 season (so far): 182 runs in 8 innings
  • Average: 26.00
  • Strike Rate: 224+
  • 2 fifties (Best: 84)
• 2025 season:
  • 859 runs in 21 innings
  • Average: 42.95
  • Strike Rate: 193+
  • 1 century & 5 fifties
• Career T20I stats:
  • 1,297 runs in 41 matches
  • Average: 34.13
  • Strike Rate: 192
  • 2 centuries & 8 fifties

His explosive potential is undeniable, and India appear willing to absorb short-term failures for long-term match-winning impact.

Left-Hand Heavy Top Order Under Scrutiny

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted that India’s left-handed top order — featuring Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma — has made it easier for opponents to plan.

“It has made it easier for teams to plan against India. We don’t have many options in the top three,” he said.

With finger-spin threats looming from upcoming opponents — including West Indies and South Africa (via Markram’s off-spin) — India’s approach against spin bowling is under examination.

Still, team management believes the current trio offers the best balance.

“On balance, we still feel that these are our best batters, and we are going to make do with the abundance of left-handers,” Ten Doeschate added.

Big Test Awaits in Ahmedabad

India’s clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad will serve as a litmus test — not just for their Super 8 ambitions, but also for Abhishek Sharma’s temperament under pressure.

With the knockout stages approaching, the management’s faith in the youngster suggests India are prioritising continuity and confidence over reactive changes.

If Abhishek fires, the narrative could shift instantly.