T20 World Cup 2026: Faf du Plessis offers a valuable advice to Abhishek Sharma
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis believes India opener Abhishek Sharma needs to show greater awareness and adaptability in his shot selection to counter the tactics being used against him in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Abhishek came into the tournament in outstanding form, carrying high expectations as one of India’s most explosive young batters. However, after four matches, he has struggled to make an impact, scoring just 15 runs, including three consecutive ducks. Du Plessis pointed out that opposition teams have done their homework and adjusted their powerplay strategies specifically to limit Abhishek’s attacking options.
T20 World Cup 2026: How can Abhishek Sharma revive his form?
Bowlers have been supported by clever field placements, often positioning two deep fielders on the off side to restrict his aggressive stroke play through the covers. Against the USA, he fell for a first-ball duck, caught at deep cover while attempting to clear the infield. In his most recent outing against South Africa, he appeared uncomfortable against slower deliveries, with fielders stationed at deep backward point and deep cover to cut off his favored scoring zones, forcing errors under pressure.
"Tactically, the game has got so smart with analysts and the way that they are trying to get you out. What I've picked up of late with Abhishek is people are now putting a deep point out and a deep extra cover out because he's so good at hitting the ball through the off side,” said former South African captain Faf du Plessis.
"So the key is to make sure that when you get to the crease, you're aware of what the opposition is trying to do. How are they trying to get me out? And then your decision as a batter, am I still sticking to my strengths? Am I trying to whack the ball for six over point, over cover? Or am I trying to bring the risk a little bit down and hit the ball on the ground for one or two, or try to score in a different area? Knowing Abhishek, you're probably trying to whack it for six over cover because he hits the ball so clean. But that's the decision you have to make as a batter,” he added.
Former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis noted that opposition bowlers have identified a clear pattern while bowling to Abhishek Sharma, consistently using slower deliveries to counter his natural attacking style. Du Plessis explained that Abhishek’s expansive and aesthetically pleasing swing, which is usually a strength, has become a focal point for bowlers looking to unsettle him. By taking pace off the ball, they are cleverly disrupting his timing and preventing him from playing through the line with the fluency he is known for.
According to du Plessis, this tactical shift is forcing Abhishek into mistimed strokes, especially when he commits early to his shots. The former skipper suggested that the young opener needs to make subtle adjustments rather than drastic changes. He advised Abhishek to use his feet more proactively, step down the track when necessary, and allow the ball to come closer to him before executing his stroke. Such adjustments, du Plessis believes, would help him regain control, improve timing, and counter the slower-ball strategy effectively.
"The other thing I've picked up is that teams are bowling a lot of slower balls at him, and it's because he's got such a beautiful swing. What you're trying to do with guys that have such a long swing is you're trying to take pace off the ball. So once again, his decision is, how do I counter guys when they're bowling it slow?,” said Faf du Plessis.
Faf du Plessis believes that Abhishek Sharma does not need major technical changes despite his lean run in the tournament. Du Plessis expressed confidence in the young opener’s ability, stating that a player of his talent and form will soon bounce back with a significant, match-winning performance in this World Cup. He emphasized that the most important factor for Abhishek at this stage is mental clarity rather than technical overhaul. According to du Plessis, the youngster should focus on blocking out external noise, criticism, and expectations, and instead trust the natural strengths that brought him success in the first place. Staying composed and backing his instincts, he suggested, will allow Abhishek to rediscover his rhythm and make a strong impact when it matters most.
"Right now, everyone in the world is talking about [him]. There will be 1000 opinions, 50 coaches. Everyone will want to give their 5 cents to Abhishek and the way he should bat. And it's a tough place to be if you're a young guy, 25 years old, in your first World Cup with so many expectations. He has bossed the last year, smashed every bowling attack all over the place,” Faf concluded.
