Former Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who was dropped after the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, has revealed that he backed the dashing opening batter Abhishek Sharma during the mega event despite his poor form.
Speaking in an interview with former Indian batter Aakash Chopra on YouTube, Surya strolled down memory lane to the T20 World Cup, stating that he identified Sharma as one of the key players who could propel India to the title victory.
“When I became the captain in 2024, the first time I saw him, I understood that this is a player who will win me the World Cup. Then, with how he played throughout the year, he was the No. 1 batter in T20Is and finished half the game in the powerplay itself. I wanted a player who could do those things. I was completely dazzled.”
Suryakumar further added that he advised Abhishek to stick to his natural game. He also revealed that he and Gautam Gambhir didn’t say anything to the Southpaw batter. However, ahead of the final, Abhishek assured Surya that he would deliver.
“I told him that irrespective of anything, play in the same fashion till the World Cup because this is your identity. He started in the World Cup and could not score. I didn’t talk to him at all. The coach also didn’t say anything because he knew what this player can do if he batted for just six overs. Before the final, he was thinking, ‘Main karunga aap ke liye paaji (I will do it for you).’ I told him that there is no responsibility or pressure on you; just show me your game. There is no problem if you get out while trying to hit a six on the first ball,” Surya concluded.
Abhishek smacked an exceptional 52-run knock off 21 balls at a strike rate of 247.62 in the grand finale against New Zealand, giving India an exceptional start. India posted a whopping total of 255/5 in 20 overs. Sanju Samson was the star of the show with his 89 runs off 46 balls. Jasprit Bumrah scalped a four-wicket haul as New Zealand got bundled out for 159 runs in 19 overs.
