T20 World Cup 2026: ‘Just don't wear that’ - Monty Panesar’s bizarre advice to out-of-form Abhishek Sharma

Published - 24 Feb 2026, 14:44 IST | Updated - 24 Feb 2026, 14:44 IST

After India’s disastrous loss at the hands of South Africa in their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, young opener Abhishek Sharma finds himself under intense scrutiny. The left-hander has endured a torrid run in the tournament so far, registering three consecutive ducks and a scratchy 15 off 12 against the Proteas with a 15-run knock.

Despite the lean patch, the Indian team management has continued to back the youngster. However, former England spinner Monty Panesar has now added a humorous twist to the ongoing discussion around Abhishek’s form. Panesar jokingly suggested that the opener should reconsider wearing the red ‘patka’ he usually wears under his helmet before heading out to bat.

“Abhishek Sharma should be backed in these circumstances. But that red patka that you have been donning, just get rid of that. Probably that has been stopping runs for him," Panesar told CNN-News18.

The former spinner continued in a playful tone, even dragging astrology into the mix while advising the youngster to keep things simple at the crease.

“Whichever astrologer has asked you to wear that, just don’t listen to him. Leave it. Don’t put anything on your head. Just put the helmet on, take the bat, and see how many runs you score," he concluded.

“No lal patka today!” 😂🧣Monty Panesar calls out Abhishek Sharma’s match-day superstition—and we’re here for this hilarious banter@AnchorAnandN with @montypanesar #StampMic #INDvsSA #Cricket #T20WorldCup2026 #BehindTheScenes

While Panesar’s comments were clearly light-hearted, they come at a time when Abhishek is battling for rhythm in a high-pressure global tournament. The comments were made before the India vs South Africa clash.

The poor form of the world’s number 1 ranked T20I batter has left the cricket world in shock. Reacting to the same, former Under-19 World Cup winning captain Mohammad Kaif has made some strong remarks about the left-hander after his poor outing against South Africa.

"The opposition teams are coming well-prepared. They aren't giving him pace. It was the knuckle ball in this match. I am worried about his technique against the slower ball. His dismissal in the first match doesn't bother me. However, his technique was exposed by how he got out in the other games," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Team India will now face Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, in a must-win encounter for both the teams.