Ravi Shastri and Kevin Pietersen Laud Abhishek Sharma as T20 World Cup 2026 Game-Changer
In a significant endorsement of India's emerging T20 talent, former head coach Ravi Shastri and England batting great Kevin Pietersen have showered praise on young left-hander Abhishek Sharma, identifying him as a crucial player for India's campaign in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The cricket legends made these remarks during a promotional event organized by the International Cricket Council in Mumbai, highlighting Sharma's recent explosive performances and potential impact on the global stage.
Shastri's Unwavering Confidence in Sharma's Abilities
Ravi Shastri, who guided India through multiple successful campaigns, left no doubt about his faith in Abhishek Sharma's capabilities. "Abhishek, without a shadow of a doubt," Shastri declared when asked which player would dominate the 2026 tournament. "He's the No. 1 T20 batsman in the world and in a rich vein of form. He took the game away from New Zealand last evening."
Shastri specifically referenced Sharma's spectacular innings of 84 runs from just 35 balls during India's first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur, which included eight massive sixes and set up a commanding 48-run victory. The former coach emphasized that Sharma's confidence is currently at its peak and that he will receive strong backing from home crowds during the World Cup.
"You've got to watch out for him because his confidence level is high. He'll be backed by the home crowd. And if he takes off, it means India take off," Shastri asserted, encapsulating the young batter's importance to India's championship aspirations.
Kevin Pietersen's Enthusiastic Endorsement of Sharma's Talent
Sitting alongside Shastri, Kevin Pietersen echoed similar sentiments while also highlighting South African prodigy Dewald Brevis as another player to watch in the tournament. However, Pietersen reserved special praise for Abhishek Sharma, recalling the batter's extraordinary performance against England last year.
"Abhishek Sharma. I mean, my goodness," Pietersen exclaimed. "I remember when Abhishek got that 150 against England at the Wankhede Stadium last year? We were watching this and when he came over and we interviewed him after the game. I just put my hand on his shoulder and I said, 'Young man, that is the best T20 innings I've ever seen in international cricket.' That kid is a proper star."
Pietersen was referring to Sharma's breathtaking knock of 135 runs from just 54 deliveries, which included seven boundaries and thirteen sixes. The former England captain confirmed he had watched Sharma's latest explosive innings against New Zealand, stating enthusiastically, "I saw, I saw. When you know he's batting, you turn the TV on!"
Pietersen on Dewald Brevis's Emerging Potential
While emphasizing Sharma's brilliance, Pietersen also discussed South Africa's Dewald Brevis, whom he believes will make a significant impact in the upcoming World Cup. Pietersen shared insights from his commentary duties during the SA20 tournament, where he witnessed Brevis's remarkable resilience under pressure.
"Brevis again played another incredible innings last night," Pietersen noted. "A couple of days ago, I was calling the game in Johannesburg where his team, the Pretoria Capitals, led by Sourav Ganguly, was struggling. They were seven for five in the fifth over and Brevis went in and batted for 15 overs and they got to a winning total of 143. That's something Brevis has always come under criticism for, that he's just a one-trick pony. He stands there and he just tries to hit six after six after six. I said in the commentary that could be the making of Brevis."
Pietersen acknowledged that Brevis's aggressive approach has drawn criticism but suggested that this very quality might define his success in high-pressure tournaments like the T20 World Cup.
Shastri's Perspective on Handling Criticism
During the same event, Ravi Shastri was asked about his approach to criticism during his tenure as Team India coach. Shastri, who served as head coach from 2014-2016 and again from 2016-2021, responded with characteristic pragmatism.
"I prefer criticism that is constructive, and when I became a broadcaster, I said I've divorced the dressing room and I will speak on what I see," Shastri explained. "It doesn't matter if you were my colleague or you were my friend when I was playing the game. But that's something you expect. In my tenure, there were good moments and there were rough moments. You just have to take it in your stride because you know there is another game coming up."
Shastri added a philosophical note about the fluctuating nature of public perception in cricket: "One day you are in a pole position. The next day you are in a troll position. That can happen. But in a week, you can see all three. You can be in pole, troll, again pole."
Looking Ahead to T20 World Cup 2026
The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on February 7, with matches to be hosted across India and Sri Lanka. The endorsements from cricket legends like Shastri and Pietersen place significant expectations on young talents like Abhishek Sharma, who will be expected to deliver match-winning performances on cricket's biggest stage.
As India prepares for the tournament, the focus will remain on developing a balanced squad that combines experienced campaigners with explosive young players like Sharma, whose ability to change games single-handedly has drawn admiration from some of cricket's most respected figures.
