Ex-India Selector Calls For Calm Approach From Abhishek Sharma vs South Africa

Abhishek Sharma’s prolonged struggle at the top has become a major talking point ahead of India’s Super 8 encounter against South Africa, but former India selector Saba Karim believes the young opener can arrest the slide by showing greater composure early in his innings.

India face South Africa in Ahmedabad on February 22 in a high-voltage clash between the finalists of the previous edition. While India have cruised into the Super 8s without a loss, Abhishek’s form has come under sharp scrutiny after he failed to score in all his appearances during the group stage.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Karim said Abhishek needs to step away from an all-out attacking mindset and trust his fundamentals against quality bowling.

“Opposition teams have done their homework on Abhishek Sharma, just as they have on other Indian batters. He now needs to break that pattern. A little patience will help him settle and play longer innings,” Karim said.

He stressed that the solution lies in adjustment rather than overhaul. “This is a phase that can disturb any player. It’s a big test for him. If he takes time, plays straight, and removes the pressure of scoring at 200-plus strike rates from the first ball, there won’t be any issue. He doesn’t need to change his approach completely — just tweak it. If he negotiates the first couple of overs well, he can easily make up for it later.”

Numbers that raise concern

The statistics paint a worrying picture. Abhishek has faced only eight balls in this T20 World Cup and is yet to get off the mark. He was dismissed for a duck against the USA, missed the Namibia match due to illness, and then returned to record ducks against Pakistan and the Netherlands.

In Colombo, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha accounted for him early, while in Ahmedabad, Netherlands off-spinner Aryan Dutt exploited similar weaknesses. Across his last seven T20Is, Abhishek has five ducks — the most by an Indian in a single calendar year in the format so far.

This dip is particularly stark for a batter who entered the tournament as the World No. 1 T20I player and one of India’s most explosive powerplay options.

Team India stand firm

Despite the outside noise, the Indian camp remains calm. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has played down speculation around Abhishek’s place, indicating that the team views this as a temporary rough patch rather than a fundamental flaw.

India’s flawless group-stage run has ensured continuity in selection, and Abhishek is expected to retain his spot against South Africa. Even Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad has refrained from branding him a weak link. As the Super 8 stage tightens the margins, India will hope their aggressive opener finds rhythm at the right moment — and that a touch of patience unlocks the runs that have so far stayed elusive.