Ravi Shastri issues surprising statement on Abhishek Sharma’s three ducks ahead of IND vs SA Super 8 match

Ravi Shastri feels Abhishek Sharma’s three ducks in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 are good news for India. Abhishek is the No.1 batter in the shortest format of the game, but he has struggled in the tournament. The southpaw faced just one ball against the USA before missing the match against Namibia due to illness.

In the contest against the arch-rivals, Pakistan, he was undone by Salman Ali Agha. He again failed to get going in the last group stage clash against the Netherlands.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav defended the batter, saying the team management is not worried about the opener, and he is confident of Abhishek returning to form in the Super 8 stage.

Speaking on the ICC review, Shastri said that the opposite numbers will now be wary of the threat posed by the young batter during the second round of the competition.

“I look at it as a positive that Abhishek Sharma has recorded three ducks. He is saving his best for the important part of the tournament. Teams will now be worried as he can be destructive,” he said.

Shastri mentioned that different players have contributed for the Men in Blue. “The positive for India is that in every match a different player has stood up. It is been Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube. Tilak Varma has done well but he needs to carry on,” he added.

Shastri is not in favour of too many changes in the playing XI. “I think they will play the same side because of the depth. They have covered all the bases. When there is a dew, you need bowlers like Dube and Hardik. Tilak can chip in as well. I don’t think they will tinker with the playing XI,” he explained.

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