Abhishek scored runs when we didn't, now its our time: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav

Published - 21 Feb 2026, 16:21 IST | Updated - 21 Feb 2026, 20:48 IST

AHMEDABAD, February 21: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav is definitely aware of opener Abhishek Sharma's poor run of form in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but is also confident that the 25-year-old will come good on his day. Notably, Abhishek has had three ducks in all of his three outings (0 off 1 vs USA, 0 off 4 vs Pakistan, and 0 off 3 vs Netherlands) thus far, while his opening partner Ishan Kishan (176 runs in four innings) has been in rollicking form.

What Suryakumar believes is that there is nothing to worry about how Abhishek is batting, as it is the very temperament he carries into the ground that has earned him a reputation of being a consistent performer ever since he made his debut in 2024. Furthermore, the 35-year-old also hinted that while Abhishek scored when others were going through a rough patch, the rest of the men can cover for runs in his bad times.

"About Abhishek Sharma's form, I worry for the people who are worried about Abhishek's form, I worry about them. Why are they so worried about Abhishek's form? But I think about those teams who are going to play against him. That he has not yet scored a run. You know the rest of the answers," Suryakumar said at the pre-match press conference ahead of India's Super Eights fixture against South Africa in Ahmedabad.

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," he added.

Notably, Abhishek did not take part in the optional net session ahead of the match. In fact, only Rinku Singh, Ishan Kishan, and Shivam Dube slogged a few while Suryakumar observed from the sidelines. Kuldeep Yadav, who might be given a go in the Playing XI on February 22, batted for a good thirty minutes before ending the session. Abhishek will look for a turnaround in his fortune, while the Men in Blue aim at keeping the winning momentum intact.