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Suryakumar Yadav Backs Abhishek Sharma: "He Covered For Us, Now We Cover For Him"

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has issued a strong defense of out-of-form opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of the team's Super 8 clash against South Africa. Yadav dismissed external concerns, stating the team is not worried and will support the struggling batter as he once supported them. Bowling coach Morne Morkel also confirmed there have been no discussions about dropping the "world-class player," backing him to deliver in the tournament's crucial phase. Abhishek Sharma is yet to score a run in the tournament, recording three consecutive ducks.

Key Points: Suryakumar Yadav Backs Abhishek Sharma's Form in T20 World Cup

  • Suryakumar Yadav's strong backing
  • Abhishek's run of ducks
  • Team's collective responsibility
  • Morne Morkel's confidence
  • Crucial Super 8 phase
3 min read

'He covered for us all year, now it's our turn': Suryakumar on Abhishek's poor form

India captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Morne Morkel express full faith in opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash.

"I worry for the people who are worried about Abhishek's form - Suryakumar Yadav"

Ahmedabad, Feb 21

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav has backed opener Abhishek Sharma, who is enduring a lean patch in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, as India gear up for their first Super 8s clash against South Africa to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the match against the 2024 T20 World Cup runners-ups, Suryakumar expressed strong faith in Abhishek's comeback and said that the team management is not worried about the opener's form at all. Surya also feels that the No.1 T20I batter will end his lean patch and deliver for the team as the tournament progresses.

"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, now that he has not yet scored a run, you know the rest of the answers." Surya said in the pre-match conference.

"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 fully; now we will cover for him as well," he added.

Abhishek is yet to open his account in the tournament. He began his campaign with a golden duck against the United States, followed by early dismissals against Pakistan and the Netherlands. On each occasion, he fell within the first two overs, without scoring a run.

Earlier, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel also backed the 25-year-old star and said that there have been no discussions regarding his place in the side.

"Absolutely no discussion in our team group about that. Abhishek is a world-class player. So far in the tournament, fortunately, there have been guys stepping up while Abhishek hasn't been able to score the runs he would like," Morkel said at the pre-match press conference on Friday.

"But we are entering a very important phase of the World Cup now, and I'm pretty sure he's going to deliver, not just for the team, but also for the viewers watching the game, because he's entertaining and we love to see that. He's hitting the ball well in the nets; it's just about getting started and building his innings," he added.

Abhishek has featured in eight matches against South Africa, scoring 200 runs against the Proteas, including one half-century against the 2024 World Cup runners-up.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Respect to SKY for this statement. "He covered for us last year" - so true! Remember his blistering knocks? The team standing by him now shows real unity. Hope he silences the critics with a big one against SA!
A
Aman W
I appreciate the support, but honestly, we're in the Super 8s of a World Cup. How long can we carry a player based on past performance? There are other in-form openers waiting. The team's success should come first.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan from abroad, this is fascinating. The pressure on Indian players is immense. This public backing from captain and coach is a smart psychological move. Takes the heat off the young player.
K
Karthik V
Surya's comment about worrying for the people who are worried is pure gold! 😂 Classic Mumbai Indians mentality. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Abhishek's 200 runs against SA itself is a good sign. He'll fire.
N
Nidhi U
The mental aspect is huge. Knowing your captain has your back unconditionally can free up a player. Hope he just goes out and plays his natural, fearless game. We believe in you, Abhishek! #ComebackKing

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