Suryakumar Yadav Shows Faith In Abhishek Sharma Despite India Opener's Lean Patch In T20 World Cup 2026: 'We Will Cover For Him'

T20 World Cup 2026: Despite Abhishek Sharma’s lean patch in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has expressed faith in the 25-year-old.

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In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Abhishek Sharma has struggled to make an impact, failing to score a single run in his maiden ICC tournament. The 25-year-old has played three matches so far and was dismissed for a duck in all of them.

The left-handed batter missed India’s clash against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi due to a stomach illness. He was also hospitalized during his stay in Delhi.

Following his lean patch in the prestigious ICC tournament, several cricket pundits have begun questioning Abhishek’s place in Team India’s Playing XI.

Suryakumar Yadav Opens Up On Abhishek Sharma's Lean Patch In T20 World Cup 2026

While speaking at the pre-match press conference, India captain Suryakumar Yadav voiced his support for Abhishek Sharma, noting that the opener had carried the team last year, and in the ongoing tournament the rest of the squad will step up to cover for him.

Suryakumar also poked fun at the critics, remarking that he worries more about those questioning Abhishek’s form than about the player himself.

"Those who worry about Abhishek Sharma’s form, I worry about them. Last year, Abhishek covered for us, and this tournament we will cover for Abhishek," Suryakumar Yadav told reporters.

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India Maintain Unbeaten Streak In T20 World Cup 2026

India began their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a 29-run victory over the United States of America (USA). They followed it up with a commanding win against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. 

Traveling next to Sri Lanka, the Men in Blue defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 61 runs in a high-voltage clash. Their group-stage journey concluded with a 17-run triumph over the Netherlands, securing four wins in four matches.

With eight points and a net run rate of +2.500, India finished at the top of Group A. In the Super Eight, India have been placed in Group 1 alongside Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the West Indies.

Suryakumar Yadav’s side will now face Aiden Markram’s South Africa in a crucial Super Eight fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22.