'Headless batting in semi-final': R Ashwin’s brutal verdict on Abhishek Sharma

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged the team management to persist with young opener Abhishek Sharma for the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad. At the same time, Ashwin did not shy away from criticising the left-hander’s approach, saying the batter needs to better understand match situations.

The 25-year-old has struggled to find rhythm in the tournament. Apart from one half-century, Abhishek has endured a difficult run with three ducks. His troubles continued in the semi-final against the England cricket team at the Wankhede Stadium, where he briefly looked aggressive before throwing away his wicket.



Abhishek began confidently by hitting two boundaries off Will Jacks in the second over. However, an attacking intent soon led to his dismissal. Jacks tossed the ball up, tempting the left-hander into a big shot. The attempt did not come off as planned, with the ball flying off the lower part of the bat before Phil Salt completed a simple catch.

Notably, this marked the fourth occasion in the tenth edition of the T20 World Cup that Abhishek had fallen to spin. Earlier in the tournament, he had been dismissed by Salman Ali Agha of Pakistan, Aryan Dutt of the Netherlands and Akeal Hosein.

Despite the setbacks, Ashwin believes Abhishek should still be backed for the title clash. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, the veteran spinner said the youngster has proven ability against quality bowling and should not be discarded because of a lean patch.

“Abhishek Sharma has that factor. In the series against New Zealand, he was in top form. He has batted well against Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry in the past. So I wouldn't be too fussed about Abhishek. But I would like to have a conversation with him. I would tell him, ‘Listen, there’s a plan against you.' So don't try hard to hit the ball,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’.

Ashwin also pointed out that Abhishek’s dismissal in the semi-final came from poor decision-making rather than lack of ability.

“In the semi-final against England, I think it was headless batting from him. I am a big fan of his gameplay. He scored eight runs against Jacks, but he intended to score 30 runs against him. Sometimes, you have to leave the ball. Sanju Samson is going so well at the other end, so you just need to take the single and get to the other end. You will get your tee time,” he added.

The former spinner further advised India’s leadership group, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, to ensure that Abhishek is not burdened with excessive pressure ahead of the final.

“Abhishek is a damn good talent, but I just want to know what sort of conversations are being had with him. Is he coming under too much pressure? If you give him more pressure, then he will look to hit the ball harder. He is a fluent player who relies on timing. You have to keep him in good space, and I will continue with him,” said Ashwin.

India eventually sealed their place in the final with a thrilling seven-run win over England after defending a formidable 253/7. The contest at the Wankhede turned into a run-fest, with both teams combining for nearly 500 runs in a high-scoring semi-final.


Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ENG Live Score updates, including the full schedule, teams, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.