Team India’s aggressive opener Abhishek Sharma is eager to open his account in the T20 World Cup 2026 after starting the tournament with a series of ducks and battling illness. The top-ranked T20I batter now has a strong chance to regain his rhythm in the upcoming group-stage clash against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 18.
Abhishek returned to the playing XI in place of Sanju Samson during India’s impressive win over Pakistan in Colombo. However, he was dismissed in the very first over by off-spinner Salman Ali Agha, marking his fourth duck in the last six innings. Despite the recent setbacks, there were no signs of poor form or low confidence during the practice sessions ahead of India’s final group-stage match.
The left-hander appeared in excellent touch in the nets, striking powerful shots across the ground. He consistently found the middle of the bat, creating room to drive through the off side, while also playing his trademark slog shots on the leg side and hitting straight down the ground. You can watch the video here:
Weather update from Ahmedabad: Expect an ABHI-STORM! 🌪️
Abhishek Sharma gears up for the #INDvNED #T20WorldCup clash! 🙌
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup #INDvNED | WED, FEB 18, 6:30 PM onwards pic.twitter.com/obNF29fU2B
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 17, 2026
Abhishek Sharma has a fair record at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In his only T20I match at the venue, he scored 34 runs at a strike rate of 161.90. Meanwhile, in four IPL games played there, he has accumulated 111 runs at a strike rate of 158.57.
“He Brings His Own Ideas” – Batting Coach Backs Abhishek Sharma for IND vs NED Clash
Team India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stated that Abhishek Sharma’s lean run is not a cause for concern, expressing confidence that he will deliver sooner rather than later. He also praised the youngster for working on his game and preparing himself to counter the strategies being used against him recently.
“A lot of credit to Abhishek, if that’s how they are planning so much against him. I’m sure he must be doing so well that they’re concerned. We plan, he also comes up with ideas. I don’t genuinely think in the last game they planned to get him out and he was caught at mid-on – you can’t plan to get anyone out like that,” Sitanshu Kotak said during the pre-match press conference.
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