Leave Him Alone! India Backs Floundering Opener Abhishek Sharma Amid T20 World Cup Start

The Indian cricket team finds itself in a familiar yet uncomfortable position just days into the T20 World Cup: questions are being raised about the form of opening batsman Abhishek Sharma after two scoreless innings. But the team’s management is sending a clear message to critics and fans alike—back off and let the player find his rhythm.

Coach’s Calm Response

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has taken a firm stance against the growing scrutiny, brushing off concerns with characteristic composure. “We don’t over-analyse,” Kotak stated, emphasizing that the team remains calm and focused on the bigger picture. He pointed out that two ducks, while disappointing, do not define a player’s tournament or career.

The coach’s comments come as a welcome rebuttal to what he sees as unnecessary pressure on the young opener. “There’s absolutely no pressure on Abhishek from us,” Kotak clarified. “He’s a quality player, and we trust his process. We ask others to leave him alone and allow him the space to express himself.”

The Burden of the Opening Role

Opening the batting in a T20 World Cup is arguably one of the most challenging assignments in cricket. The job demands not only technical skill but also mental fortitude to handle the new ball, the field restrictions, and the relentless pressure of setting a platform for the powerhouse middle order. One bad start—or even two—should not trigger panic.

Abhishek Sharma, known for his aggressive intent and clean hitting, embodies the modern T20 opener. His ability to take the attack to the opposition has earned him a place in the squad, but with that comes the risk of early dismissals when the plan doesn’t come off. The team management understands this volatility and is standing by its player.

Historical Context

Cricket history is replete with examples of world-class openers who endured rough patches at the start of major tournaments. What matters is how quickly they bounce back. The Indian team has shown confidence in Abhishek’s abilities, and the coaching staff believes his natural game will click soon.

The selectors and captains have consistently backed players who are going through a lean phase, understanding that confidence and support are often the catalysts for a turnaround. With matches still to come, the team is hopeful that Abhishek will find his timing and provide the explosive starts that India needs.

Moving Forward

As the tournament progresses, the focus should shift from individual scores to team performance. India’s depth in batting means that one player’s early struggles can be compensated by others. However, getting Abhishek into form is certainly a priority, not through criticism, but through unwavering belief and positive reinforcement.

The media and fans would do well to heed Kotak’s advice. The World Cup is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s give our players the room they need to perform without piling on pressure after every outing. After all, the greatest supporters are those who stand by their team in both triumph and temporary setback.