He has got clear plans - Sitanshu Kotak backs Abhishek Sharma to come good in T20 World Cup 2026

Dynamic opener Abhishek Sharma's form has been a cause of concern in the ongoing T20 World Cup, with the southpaw having registered ducks in both the games he has played so far. However, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak effaced any fears on the horizon, expressing belief in the hard-hitting batter.

Talking in the pre-match conference about Abhishek Sharma, Kotak said, “The one thing we definitely don't unnecessarily do is over-analyse. Sometimes you [as batters] start making more assumptions than the opposition do. He has his plans sorted, he follows the way he wants to, and obviously we discuss the opposition, their bowling, their strengths, what they've been doing - all that is normal for everyone, not just Abhishek."

Adding further, Kotak said, “Before he fell ill, he made runs. In the T20 format also, sometimes a 10-ball 30 is as important," Kotak said. "It's not like he hasn't scored runs. T20 format is high-risk, someone will get out [playing attacking cricket]. If we stress so much on it [the occasional failures], players will be under pressure. He is in good form, he has got clear plans, has a clear mindset and that's what matters to us."

He also underlined Abhishek’s brilliance after Mike Hesson revealed the plans that Pakistan had in place for the opener, stating, “A lot of credit to Abhishek, if that's how they are planning so much against him. I'm sure he must be doing so well that they're concerned. We plan, he also comes up with ideas. I don't genuinely think in the last game they planned to get him out and he was caught at mid-on - you can't plan to get anyone out like that.”

Dissecting his fall against Pakistan and the thoughts that followed, Sharma said, “He got hit high on the bat. But if they're so concerned [that they have to plan] it's a great sign for us, and a great credit to the way he plays."