Gambhir Defends Abhishek Sharma: 'Not Out of Form, Just Out of Runs'
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has publicly supported World No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, who faced a challenging start in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Despite scoring three consecutive ducks in Group A matches against the USA, Pakistan, and the Netherlands, Gambhir emphasized that Sharma's struggles were not due to poor form but merely a lack of runs.
Abhishek Sharma's Rollercoaster Tournament Performance
Abhishek Sharma entered the tournament with high expectations but initially struggled, recording three straight ducks. However, he bounced back with a half-century against Zimbabwe in the Super 8 stage. In the final against New Zealand, Sharma delivered a spectacular performance, smashing 52 runs off just 21 balls, including the fastest fifty of the 2026 edition in 18 deliveries. This explosive innings helped India post a massive total of 255 runs, leading to a 96-run victory and securing their third T20 World Cup title, making them the first team to defend the championship on home soil.
Gambhir's Personal Experience and Advice
Speaking on JioHotstar, Gambhir recalled his own difficult phase during the 2014 Indian Premier League (IPL), where he suffered three ducks in a row and another in a fourth game. He shared his advice to Sharma, stating, 'All I told him was that people will look at your scores and will talk about your form, but actually, you are not out of form; you are just out of runs.' Gambhir urged Sharma to play with more aggression and ignore external criticism, emphasizing that form can only be judged after facing 20 to 30 balls in the middle.
Encouraging Fearless Cricket and Team Support
Gambhir further encouraged Sharma to play fearlessly and commit fully to his natural attacking approach. He said, 'If you want to hit the first ball out of the ground, go and do it, and commit yourself to it 100 per cent because it really doesn't matter what the world thinks about you.' The head coach highlighted the importance of team support, noting that the dressing room's opinion matters most. He expressed unwavering confidence in all players selected for the tournament, stating there was no doubt about Sharma's abilities or anyone else's in the squad.
Historic Victory for Team India
Team India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2026 marked a historic achievement, as they became the first team to defend the title and win it as a host nation. The victory over New Zealand at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium showcased the team's resilience and collective strength, with Gambhir's leadership and support playing a key role in navigating challenges like Sharma's early struggles.
