Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis believes that Abhishek Sharma must change his game plan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Abhishek Sharma came into the tournament in blazing form. But after four matches, he has managed only 15 runs, including three ducks.
Bowlers have found a clear plan for Abhishek Sharma
Faf du Plessis has pointed out that the teams are no longer bowling blindly at the Indian opener. He got out on the very first ball, caught at deep cover against the USA, and then the South African bowlers kept mixing slower balls, and he looked confused and struggled to time the ball.
“Tactically, the game has got so smart with analysts and the way that they are trying to get you out. What I’ve picked up of late with Abhishek is people are now putting a deep point out and a deep extra cover out because he’s so good at hitting the ball through the off side,” du Plessis said on ESPNcricinfo Timeout.
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Faf du Plessis’ simple advice to struggling Abhishek Sharma
Du Plessis suggested the Indian opener first understand what the other team is planning against him when he goes into the field and see where the teams have placed fielders. He then asked Abhishek to think about how they want to get him out and then ask himself one question: ‘Should I still play my natural attacking shots, or should I play a little safe?’
The former Proteas captain further pointed out that Abhishek Sharma likes to hit big sixes over cover and point because he hits the ball very cleanly. That is his strength. But if fielders are there, then he should not always go for a big shot, as Du Plessis suggested he avoid attacking blindly.
He wants Abhishek to hit the ball along the ground, take singles or doubles, and play in a different area, ordering him to use his brain. Du Plessis added, “You’re probably trying to whack it for six over cover because he hits the ball so clean. But that’s the decision you have to make as a batter.”
Slower balls becoming a big problem
Abhishek has a long and powerful swing, and that is his strength, but now bowlers are using it against him. By taking pace off the ball, they are making him play early, resulting in mistimed shots and easy catches. So, Du Plessis feels this is where Abhishek must become smarter.
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He said, “You either try to come down the wicket because you want to generate pace to hit the ball, or you try to hang back and set for that slower ball so that your hands are never in front of you.”
Faf du Plessis backs Abhishek Sharma, predicts big knock in T20 World Cup 2026
Faf du Plessis believes Abhishek Sharma does not need too much advice. He feels Abhishek is a very talented player and predicted that the Indian opener will play “an amazing innings” in the T20 World Cup 2026. He also slammed the massive noise around Abhishek’s struggles.
The South African star has pointed out that cricket experts, fans, and former players are all giving different opinions, and this creates pressure on the 25-year-old, who is playing his first World Cup. Du Plessis said that the main thing for Abhishek is to stay calm, ignore outside noise and trust his own game and focus on his strengths.
He signed off by saying, “The key for him now is, how do you keep the noise out? How do you make sure you focus on your strengths and your game and keep your mind as clear as possible? Because there’s a lot of noise going on when a player is in this state. I’ve got no doubt; give him a couple more innings, the youngster will come through, and he’ll have an amazing inning somewhere in this World Cup.”