WATCH: Gautam Gambhir seen in intense chat with Abhishek Sharma after South Africa debacle

Published - 24 Feb 2026, 12:16 IST | Updated - 24 Feb 2026, 12:16 IST

A video featuring India head coach Gautam Gambhir engaged in a serious conversation with struggling Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has gone viral on social media during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The clip, reportedly shot inside the Indian team bus, shows Gambhir seated at the front, who listened carefully throughout the exchange. While the exact details of the discussion remain unknown, the body language of both individuals suggests a serious interaction. Assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate, too, later joined the conversation.

Gautam Gambhir started coaching Abhishek Sharma right there on the team bus. But sir, please stop this show in front of the cameras. You should have learned from Rohit Sharma how to explain things to a player, how to build their confidence, and how to bring out their best…

The viral nature of the video has sparked reactions online. Several fans have speculated that the discussion may be linked to Abhishek’s underwhelming performances in the tournament so far.

The timing of the interaction has particularly drawn attention, given Abhishek’s struggles with the bat in the marquee event.Team India has reached Chennai for their upcoming Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

Abhishek Sharma entered the T20 World Cup 2026 with huge expectations after impressive performances in the bilateral series against New Zealand just before the tournament. However, the left-handed opener has not replicated that on the big stage.

He managed to open his account only in India’s Super 8 clash game against South Africa, scoring 15 runs off 12 deliveries in what was a crucial fixture. Before this, he had three consecutive ducks to his name while he missed one match with illness. With India aiming for a strong finish in the tournament, all eyes will now be on Abhishek to respond with the bat.

On the other hand, Team India’s path to the semifinals, too, now looks very hard after a disastrous outing against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on February 22.  After the Zimbabwe clash, the Men in Blue are scheduled to face the in-form West Indies at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 1.

And considering India’s current state of the NRR, they are required to win these two matches with a huge margin to have, while also hoping no other team than the Proteas remain unbeaten in Group 1.