Abhishek Sharma Sits Out Optional Training, Pressure Builds Over Lean Patch as India Tweaks Spin Arsenal Ahead of South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 Clash
Suryakumar backs Abhishek despite poor form as India prepare spin-heavy plans for SA Super Eights clash.
India began their Super Eights build-up in Ahmedabad with a light optional session, but Abhishek Sharma’s absence grabbed attention.
The young opener, who has struggled for runs in the tournament, skipped practice ahead of the big clash against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Only a handful of players trained at the ground. Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube and Ishan Kishan spent time in the nets, mostly facing spin bowlers.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav watched closely with head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. The trio stood near the nets, talking through plans.
India clearly focused on spin. Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar bowled long spells, while local left-arm and off-spin bowlers were brought in to simulate South Africa’s attack.
The idea was to prepare for George Linde, Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram, who could play key roles for the Proteas.
Kuldeep also padded up and had a short batting session. Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel did not train on the day. Samson had trained well the previous evening.
Fresh Start in Super Eights
Abhishek’s form has been under the scanner, but Suryakumar made it clear that the team stands firmly behind him.
“When he scores a run, you have seen what happens. It happens, it’s a team sport, it keeps going on. Now the team has a requirement that the boy should play with his identity. So he is trying to play. If it happens, then it’s fine, if it doesn’t, then we are there to cover. Last year he covered for us, now we will cover for him,” Suryakumar said.
The skipper also praised India’s spinners for their strong show so far in the tournament.
“The spinners have been doing well. I think the spinners have done really well against almost all the oppositions which we have played till now. So I can’t say we’ll have an edge because it’s a new game, a fresh start; you have to start from zero. But yeah, definitely some good plans. I think on the given day, plans and execution have to be coming together on the page. So if that comes together, we’ll definitely have an edge.”
India enter the Super Eights as defending champions, while South Africa were finalists in the previous edition. With both sides aiming for a strong start, execution on the day could make all the difference.
