World number one T20 batsman Abhishek Sharma's bat appears to be silent in the 2026 T20 World Cup. After failing against the United States and Pakistan, he couldn't open his account against the Netherlands either. On February 18th, Abhishek was bowled out for a duck off three balls in the match played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This was his third duck in the tournament. The player who was known for his explosive batting in world cricket for the past year and a half is now struggling. Questions have arisen as to whether this is simply poor form, the pressure of expectations, or whether he has been cursed.
How was he out?
A sharp slider from Netherlands off-spinner Aryan Dutt hit Abhishek's stumps. He misjudged the length of the ball and instead of moving forward, went on the back foot. The ball came in and uprooted the stumps. After his dismissal, Abhishek shook his head back and expressed his displeasure, indicating mental stress.
Sunil Gavaskar's Statement
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar said after the match that the burden of expectations is clearly visible on the young batsman. He said, "I think the burden of expectations is weighing heavily on him. If he had gotten a quick start in the first match, the situation could have been different, but now you can see that the expectations of being the best six-hitter and number one batsman are weighing on him."
Gavaskar also advised Abhishek to take his time initially. Gavaskar said, "He has a great range of shots, but he needs to give himself some time. He shouldn't try to hit a four or a six off every ball. Even if there are four dot balls, they can be made up for later. He should spend the first one or two overs setting himself up, building movement in his feet, and then play his shots."
Aakash Chopra's Opinion
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra also questioned Abhishek's technique. He believes that Abhishek has initially started playing cross-bat shots, while his true strength lies in playing straight shots with the bat. Chopra believes that even on pitches with slight turn and grip, Abhishek should trust his natural game and continue playing straight shots.
Fans are saying - 'Nazar Laga Hai.'
On social media, fans are saying that he has been affected by the evil eye. Last year, Abhishek played many explosive innings, and now people have built up so much expectation from him that he has been affected by the evil eye. However, fans still support him and express hope for his strong comeback as soon as possible.
Illness and Strategy Impact
According to reports, Abhishek was suffering from a mild illness before the tournament. Furthermore, opposing teams have also devised a specific strategy against him. He is being given a mix of tight line, length, and spin in the powerplay, preventing him from playing freely. It's natural for mental pressure to increase due to repeated failures. This is why his body language on the field also appears to have changed.
The Way Forward
India now has a three-day break before the Super Eight match. The next match will also be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The lack of travel will give Abhishek a chance to rest and regain his composure. Cricket experts believe that a good innings could restore Abhishek's confidence. There's no doubt about his talent, but mental strength is just as important in a major tournament.
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