Is the pressure of the big stage getting to Abhishek Sharma? That is the question on every cricket fan’s mind after the young opener’s latest performance. During India’s T20 World Cup clash against the Netherlands on February 18, the left-hander’s rough patch continued in a way no player ever wants to experience.
For the third game in a row, Abhishek Sharma walked back to the pavilion without scoring a single run. While India eventually secured a victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the spotlight remains on the young star’s batting form.
The Dismissal: What Went Wrong for Abhishek Sharma?
The dismissal happened early in the innings against Dutch off-spinner Aryan Dutt. Abhishek Sharma tried to play a powerful pull shot toward mid-wicket, but his timing and judgment of the length were off.
The ball wasn’t quite short enough for the shot he chose. It stayed low, zipped under his bat, and smashed into the stumps. It was a visual representation of a batsman who is perhaps trying too hard to force the pace before finding his rhythm.
Sehwag’s Analysis: It’s a Mindset Game
Legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag didn’t hold back in his analysis, but he also offered a lot of empathy. Having faced similar slumps during his legendary career, Sehwag knows exactly what Abhishek Sharma is going through.
“I have been in his shoes, making 2-3 zeroes,” Sehwag shared. “Making a comeback is not that difficult because it is just about the mindset. It is about shot selection, which is where he is making a mistake.”
Sehwag pointed out that because there is so much pressure on Abhishek Sharma to score quickly, he is rushing his shots. His advice was simple: Slow down. Sehwag suggested that instead of attacking the very first ball, Abhishek should focus on spending a few minutes at the crease and just “playing some balls” to regain his confidence.
Match Summary: Dube and Chakaravarthy Save the Day
While the top order struggled, other Indian stars stepped up to ensure a win. Shivam Dube was the hero of the innings, smashing a brilliant 66 runs off just 31 balls to propel India to a total of 193.
On the bowling side, Varun Chakaravarthy was the pick of the bowlers, taking three crucial wickets to keep the Netherlands at 176/7.
India vs. Netherlands: Key Match Stats
| Player | Performance | Key Takeaway |
| Abhishek Sharma | 0 (3 balls) | Third consecutive duck in the tournament. |
| Shivam Dube | 66 (31 balls) | Provided the power needed in the middle overs. |
| Suryakumar & Tilak | 30 runs (28 balls) | A slow partnership criticized by Mohit Sharma. |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 3 Wickets | Effectively choked the Dutch run chase. |
The Road Ahead
The talent of Abhishek Sharma is undeniable, but the T20 World Cup is a ruthless environment. With mentors like Sehwag offering guidance, the young opener has the blueprint for a comeback. The big question is: will he take a breath and settle in during the next game, or will the “hit-from-ball-one” mentality continue to haunt him?
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