'Has become star in short time': Ex-India cricketer blasts Abhishek Sharma before T20 World Cup semifinal

Abhishek Sharma’s form has come under scrutiny ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against England, with former cricketers Manoj Tiwary and Irfan Pathan raising concerns about his approach and technique. The opener has struggled for consistency in the tournament and failed to make an impact in the Super 8 match against West Indies.

Abhishek has scored 80 runs in six matches so far, including one half-century against Zimbabwe. He registered three consecutive ducks against the USA, Pakistan and the Netherlands, before making 15 off 12 balls against South Africa. In the must-win Super 8 match against West Indies, he was dismissed for 10 off 11 balls and also dropped two catches.


Speaking on Cricbuzz, Tiwary criticised Abhishek’s approach at the crease.

"When you don't put a price on your wicket, then you will play loose shots like that," Tiwary said.

"Abhishek has already become a star in such a short time, but if he wants to be a superstar, he has to win games for the team. There is so much competition, so many match winners, so he has to be ahead of them," he added.

"Today (Sunday against West Indies), it was a good opportunity for him. He dropped two catches as well. He has to cultivate the mindset where he has to decide which balls to go for and which not," Tiwary further said.

Irfan Pathan also spoke about a technical aspect of Abhishek’s batting and suggested changes.

"One concern is Abhishek Sharma's form again. After scoring that fifty, it felt like he would continue making runs, but when he went for that shot, his back knee was bent too much, and his body weight was falling backwards.

"Ideally, more weight should have been on the front foot, as that suits him better. He will need to pay attention to that," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

India are scheduled to face England in the second semifinal in Mumbai on March 5.


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