“If he tries to change it now, it will be a mess” - Irfan Pathan opens up on Abhishek Sharma’s struggles in T20 WC 2026

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has opened up about the dashing opener Abhishek Sharma’s struggles in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar, Pathan broke down Sharma’s struggles against the off-spinners, as seen in the group stage games against Pakistan and the Netherlands. He went on to add that Sharma’s problem lies in his shot selection as he is attempting to play across the wicket.

"Abhishek Sharma is getting out to off-spinners. Against Pakistan and the Netherlands, off-spinners got him. The problem lies in his shot selection. His bat comes down from a high angle, and he is not looking to hit straight. He is trying to play across the wicket. That is getting him into trouble. He moves his front foot away to create room, but bowlers are not giving him room. They are bowling wide, not close to him. These are not drivable balls. These are balls you either take a single on or, if you hold your shape, you can hit one-bounce fours. That is what Salman Ali Agha and Aryan Dutt bowled to him,” Pathan said on JioHotstar.

Furthermore, Pathan has shared a piece of advice to Sharma, stating that he should get off the mark against Aiden Markram by taking a single instead of going for a big shot, and later target the pacers.

“South Africa will do the same. His bat angle is coming across, which is natural to him. He does not need to change that. If he tries to change it now, it will be a mess. He has not scored runs. First things first, get a single, get off the mark. Expect the spinner to come in, get to the other end, and target the fast bowlers. When Markram comes on to bowl to him, he does not need to bludgeon from the first ball," he added.

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