Cricket can lift you up quickly but it can also test you just as fast. That’s exactly where Abhishek Sharma finds himself right now.
The young Indian opener has enjoyed a rapid rise in international cricket, earning praise for his fearless batting. However, his T20 World Cup campaign has been far from smooth. Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary believes Abhishek Sharma has already become a star in a short span of time but to reach “superstar” status, he must start delivering match-winning performances for the country.
Abhishek Sharma endured a difficult group stage, struggling with illness and recording three consecutive ducks. His troubles continued in the Super 8s, where he managed only 15 runs in a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa. Although he briefly bounced back with a half-century against Zimbabwe, inconsistency returned when he scored just 10 off 11 balls against the West Indies.
In that match, Abhishek Sharma tried to attack Akeal Hosein early in the chase. With 17 runs already on the board, he went for an aggressive shot in the third over, only to find Shimron Hetmyer stationed in the deep.
Speaking on a show, Manoj Tiwary said that while the team management has backed Abhishek Sharma and given him freedom to play his natural game, he must learn to value his wicket more. According to Manoj Tiwary, loose shots at crucial moments can hurt the team, especially in high-pressure tournaments. He also pointed out that Abhishek Sharma dropped two catches in the same game, calling it an off day overall.
Manoj Tiwary stressed the importance of developing the right mindset, knowing which balls to attack and which to respect.
Despite the recent setbacks, Abhishek Sharma remains an important player for India. He is expected to play a key role in the crucial semi-final against England at Wankhede Stadium, the same venue where he scored his highest T20I runs against England last year.
