19 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma is facing mounting scrutiny over his performances at theICC T20 World Cup, with former India captain Sunil Gavaskar delivering a blunt assessment of the left-hander’s approach. Gavaskar has described Abhishek’s batting as “very predictable,” suggesting that opposition teams have worked him out and are exploiting clear patterns in his shot selection.
Abhishek, who earned his place in the national side after a prolific run in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, came into the tournament with high expectations. Known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to dominate powerplays, the youngster was seen as a key component of India’s top order. However, his returns so far in the tournament have failed to justify the hype.
Struggles at the Top of the Order
Throughout the T20 World Cup, Abhishek has struggled to convert starts into meaningful contributions. While he has shown intent in the early overs, his dismissals have followed a familiar script—often falling to short deliveries or mistimed attacking shots against spin. This recurring pattern has made it easier for bowlers to set fields and plan his dismissal.
Former cricketers and analysts believe that Abhishek’s eagerness to attack from the outset has made him vulnerable. While aggression is a valued trait in T20 cricket, the lack of adaptability has hurt his effectiveness at the international level.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Sharp Critique
Speaking during a match analysis, Sunil Gavaskar did not mince words while assessing Abhishek Sharma’s performances. He pointed out that the batter’s shot selection has become too obvious, allowing bowlers to anticipate his moves.
“He is very predictable,” Gavaskar remarked, adding that Abhishek often commits to attacking shots even when the situation demands a more measured approach. According to Gavaskar, international bowlers are quick to identify such tendencies and exploit them ruthlessly.
The former India captain advised Abhishek to add more variety to his game, including better strike rotation and selective aggression. Gavaskar emphasised that unpredictability is a crucial asset in modern T20 cricket, especially at the highest level.
Opposition Bowlers Exploiting Weaknesses
Teams facing India have clearly done their homework on Abhishek Sharma. Bowlers have frequently targeted him with hard lengths early on or tempted him into risky shots against spin once the field spreads. The consistent nature of his dismissals suggests that opposition strategies are working.
Experts say that unless Abhishek adapts quickly, his struggles could continue. In a high-pressure tournament like the T20 World Cup, players are judged not only on talent but also on their ability to adjust to evolving match situations.
Pressure of Expectations
As a young player breaking into the international setup, Abhishek Sharma is also dealing with the pressure of expectations. His explosive domestic performances created a perception that he could replicate the same impact on the world stage instantly. However, international cricket often exposes gaps that remain hidden at lower levels.
Team management has so far backed Abhishek, acknowledging his potential and match-winning ability. However, with competition for spots fierce and several experienced batters waiting on the sidelines, consistent failures could force selectors to rethink their combination.
What Needs to Change?
Cricket analysts believe Abhishek Sharma needs to work on pacing his innings better. Instead of going for big shots early, rotating the strike and forcing bowlers to change their lengths could help him regain control.
Adding sweeps, late cuts, and softer hands against pace could make his batting less predictable. Improving shot selection against spin, especially in the middle overs, is also seen as crucial if he wants to succeed at the international level.
Team India’s Dilemma
For Team India, Abhishek’s form presents a tactical dilemma. His aggressive style can provide quick starts, but repeated failures at the top put pressure on the middle order. In a tournament where margins are thin, consistency at the top is often the difference between winning and losing.
The team management will be closely monitoring his performances in the remaining matches. Whether Abhishek responds to criticism with a change in approach could determine not only his future in the tournament but also his long-term role in India’s T20 plans.
Looking Ahead
Sunil Gavaskar’s blunt advice may serve as a wake-up call for Abhishek Sharma. Many young cricketers have faced similar criticism early in their careers and gone on to reinvent themselves successfully. The coming matches offer Abhishek an opportunity to prove that he can adapt, evolve, and perform under pressure.
As the T20 World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on how Abhishek responds—whether he continues down a predictable path or surprises critics by showcasing a more mature and versatile version of his batting.
Summary
Abhishek Sharma’s struggles at the T20 World Cup have drawn sharp criticism from Sunil Gavaskar, who called his batting predictable and urged the young opener to add variety and adapt to international bowling challenges.