Two Key Concerns for Team India Ahead of Super 8: Abhishek Sharma’s Struggles and Vulnerability Against Finger Spin
New Delhi / Ahmedabad: Although Team India remains unbeaten in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, two pressing concerns have emerged ahead of the crucial Super 8 stage — the alarming form of opener Abhishek Sharma and the team’s visible discomfort against finger spinners.
Abhishek Sharma: Have Bowlers Found His Weakness?
For Abhishek Sharma, the tournament has turned increasingly troubling. The Indian opener has been dismissed for a duck in three consecutive matches, creating an unwanted record.
The concern is not merely about the lack of runs, but the recurring pattern of his dismissals — suggesting that opposition bowlers may have identified and exploited technical flaws.
Despite being ranked the world’s No. 1 T20 batter, Abhishek has been dismissed for zero five times in his last seven international innings — a statistic that has raised eyebrows.
His struggles appear particularly evident against spin bowling. Experts point to shortcomings in his footwork and patience, especially during the powerplay.
In his eagerness to attack early, he has seemed unwilling to absorb dot balls, leading to risky strokes.
Opponents have applied pressure by bowling tight back-of-length deliveries around the middle-and-off line, including skiddy balls that rush onto him. Against spin, his foot movement has looked tentative and indecisive.
- Against Pakistan, he was cramped by spinner Salman Agha, resulting in a catch at mid-on.
- Versus the Netherlands, he was clean bowled by Aryan Dutt off an arm ball on just his third delivery.
Former cricketer Sanjay Bangar believes Abhishek’s haste is his biggest problem, while legend Sunil Gavaskar advised him to avoid playing “across the line” early in his innings and instead spend time settling at the crease before attempting big shots.
However, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate expressed confidence, saying he noticed encouraging signs in Abhishek’s ball striking recently and expects him to regain rhythm in the next phase of the tournament.
Finger Spin: A Tactical Challenge for India
Another major concern for India heading into the Super 8 is its struggle against finger spin (off-spin and orthodox spin delivered using fingers rather than wrist).
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged that Indian batters have not been entirely comfortable against such bowling.
He admitted that India has not yet played a match where it completely dominated proceedings, and improvement against finger spinners is essential.
In the Super 8 stage, India is set to face teams like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies — all of whom possess quality finger spinners.
The upcoming clash against New Zealand could be particularly significant in this regard.
Doeschate noted that when pitches slow down and the ball grips or holds slightly, batters must adapt their approach against finger spinners rather than forcing strokes.
Pakistan’s spinner Saim Ayub had earlier troubled India with a three-wicket haul, further underlining the vulnerability.
Slow Middle-Over Run Rate
India’s scoring rate during the middle overs (7–15) has also drawn attention. In the match against the Netherlands, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma maintained a run rate of 7.44 per over during this phase — a pace considered below their natural attacking style.
With the tournament entering a decisive phase, India will need sharper strategies, greater composure at the top of the order, and improved execution against spin to maintain its unbeaten run and strengthen its Super 8 campaign.
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