Abhishek Sharma Safe for Now? India Coach Ends Debate with Strong Statement

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel stated that the team remains unfazed by Abhishek Sharma's unsuccessful performance at the T20 World Cup 2026. Abhishek has registered five ducks in his last seven innings which includes three consecutive zero scores during the current 20-team tournament. Morkel maintained his confidence in Morkel's ability to make a strong recovery from his current setback.

 

"Absolutely no discussion in our team group about that," bowling coach Morne Morkel said ahead of India’s Super 8 clash against South Africa. "Abhishek is a world-class player. Luckily, there were guys standing up with Abhishek obviously not scoring the runs he would like. But we're going through a very important phase of the World Cup now and I'm pretty sure he's going to deliver."

 

Morkel said that the team has not reached its typical performance level because players need to work harder to develop their skills. India dropped nine catches during the group stage that made them the second-worst team in this area after Ireland.

 

Coach added: "Yeah, definitely we discuss options in terms of how we're going to approach our bowling innings against different teams. I think it's important to stay awake and to keep on looking for ways that we can strike better and where we can have guys attacking specific batters."

 

Also Read | Mohammad Amir Warns Abhishek Sharma After Three Ducks in T20 WC 2026

 

When Morkel discussed the team combination for the South Africa match in Ahmedabad he indicated that Sunday would bring changes to the bowling group. He expressed admiration for Shivam Dube while showing Dube's development as a reliable all-rounder.

 

Morkel added: "With Shivam, I think any bowler, we like confidence. You want to feel the backing. This journey started almost more than a year ago, when we gave him the responsibility to bowl for us in Dubai (in the Asia Cup) and to bowl the first over. I think as soon as you feel that environment, you feel that you get backed by, first, the captain, the coach and the staff."