Team India sealed a hard-fought 17-run victory against Netherlands in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, wrapping up their T20 World Cup 2026 group stage unbeaten. But joy was tempered by Abhishek Sharma’s shocking third consecutive duck, casting shadows over the opener’s role.
Hyped as India’s run-machine, Abhishek’s World Cup tale is one of unfulfilled promise. Golden duck vs USA, rested ill against Namibia, four-ball zero vs Pakistan, and now a three-ball bowled dismissal vs Netherlands. Zero runs from 10 balls faced – a statistic hard to fathom.
Abhishek joins Washington Sundar as the only Indians with three back-to-back T20I ducks. Globally, Dasun Shanaka’s 16 ducks reign supreme, while Rohit Sharma’s 12 lead India, ahead of Sanju Samson’s seven.
This slump prompts urgent introspection. Is it technique, mindset, or match pressure? Abhishek’s aggressive IPL style hasn’t translated here. India won despite him, thanks to middle-order rescues, but reliability at the top is non-negotiable.
As the team eyes glory, stakeholders debate changes. Dropping a specialist opener mid-tournament is risky, yet persistence could prove costlier. Rohit’s experience with ducks offers perspective – comebacks are possible. Watch this space for Abhishek’s redemption arc.