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Shastri: Assess Abhishek Sharma's Mindset Before T20 WC Semi vs England

Former coach Ravi Shastri emphasizes that the Indian team management must evaluate opener Abhishek Sharma's mental state before the crucial T20 World Cup semi-final against England. Shastri notes Abhishek's rough tournament, marked by early ducks and inconsistent scores, but highlights his past explosive century against England. He suggests the only potential change would be promoting Ishan Kishan to open if Abhishek is deemed mentally unfit. However, Shastri ultimately advocates for persistence with Abhishek, citing his proven firepower and past success at the venue.

Key Points: Ravi Shastri on Abhishek Sharma's Place in T20 WC Semi-final

  • Assess mental state before selection
  • Consider Ishan Kishan as opener
  • Recall past success vs England
  • Persist with firepower in batting
3 min read

"If mentally, his mindset has taken a beating...": Shastri on Abhishek's place in team during IND-ENG T20WC semifinal

Ravi Shastri says India must check Abhishek Sharma's mental state before selecting him for the T20 World Cup semi-final against England.

"If mentally, his mindset has taken a beating, it is for them to judge - Ravi Shastri"

Mumbai, March 3

Former Indian head coach and all-rounder Ravi Shastri expressed that the team management should take a call on star opener Abhishek Sharma's place in the team for the all-important T20 World Cup semifinal against England based on where he is mentally, following a rough run so far in the tournament.

Big tournaments are not always a bed of roses, irrespective of runs, rankings and superstar status all the time, and Abhishek's run in this tournament has proven it. Starting the tournament with three successive ducks and sitting out against Namibia due to food poisoning, Abhishek's first runs came during the Super Eight clash against South Africa, a sluggish 12-ball 15. While a half-century against Zimbabwe in a must-win clash brought some cheers, Abhishek was once again down for an 11-ball 10 against West Indies during the virtual quarterfinal, where a semifinal spot was at stake.

Speaking during the latest episode of The ICC Review, Shastri said that any decision regarding his place in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 against England must first be based on the left-hand batter's mental space.

"Unless the team management realises that, mentally he's not there. If mentally, his mindset has taken a beating, it is for them to judge from the outside, in conversations with him, just seeing the way he is batting in the nets," said Shastri as quoted by ICC.

The former Indian head coach also said that the only scenario in which he would consider a tweak to the batting order is where Ishan Kishan, who has had a strong tournament himself with 224 runs from seven games, would move up the order to the opening spot. In order to have Sanju Samson back in the squad to break a leftie-dominated top-order, Kishan has slid down to number three.

Shastri also pointed out that the last time Abhishek played England at Wankhede last year, he smashed a 54-ball 135, the highest T20I score by an Indian.

"If that is the case, then and only then will I think of putting Ishan Kishan up the order and then probably Rinku Singh bringing him, at the bottom," he added.

"That could be the only change, but I would still persist with him because last time India played England, he had a terrific series against them," Shastri said.

"I would not take that away at the Wankhede," Shastri said. "He has done well in the past. He's got some big hundreds there and very quick hundreds. I will persist with him because there is enough firepower in that batting," he concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Completely agree with Ravi bhai! You have to back your players, especially a match-winner like Abhishek. He demolished England just last year! One bad tournament doesn't define a player. Dropping him now could damage his confidence long-term. Trust him to come good on the big stage. 🇮🇳💪
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Rohit P
Sorry, but I have to respectfully disagree with the "persist with him" logic. This is a World Cup semi-final, not a bilateral series. Ishan Kishan is in red-hot form. You play your best XI based on current form, not past glory. Sentiment has no place in knockout games. Hope the team management makes the ruthless, correct choice.
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Ananya R
The pressure on these young players is unreal. We fans are so quick to judge after a few failures. He was ill too! Shastri's insight about judging his mental state from the nets is key. The coaches see him every day. Whatever decision they take, we should support it. Jai Hind!
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David E
Interesting perspective. In international sport, the psychological aspect is often the biggest differentiator. Shastri's experience shows here. It's not just about technique; it's about whether the player believes he can perform. Tough spot for the management.
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Karthik V
Wankhede is his happy hunting ground! That 135 against England will be playing in their bowlers' minds too. Sometimes you back a player for one innings, and he wins you the trophy. Remember Yuvraj Singh in 201

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