'Phone pakad, social media hata' - Abhishek Sharma reveals advices from senior players during lean patch in T20 World Cup 2026

Abhishek Sharma revealed how senior Indian players advised him to stay away from social media and focus on his game during his tough phase in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Abhishek Sharma (Image | BCCI on X)

Indian cricket team have many talented batters in the squad and Abhishek Sharma is definitely one of them. He is an incredible performer, scoring runs everywhere. However, the T20 World Cup 2026 didn't go as expected. He scored three ducks and struggled put up runs on the board. But, constant support from the team members helped him during this hard time.

The left-handed batter spoke about the struggle and how head coach Gautam Gambhir, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav, adviced him to stay away from social media for a while. Abhishek revealed that he took their suggestions and that helped him eventually.

“Slowly you get used to it. But it does feel bad (when there is criticism). That is going to happen in India because people have a lot of expectations from you. After I scored three ducks, Surya, GG sir, and Hardik Pandya came to me and said, "Phone pakad, social media hata abhi ke abhi [take your phone and uninstall social media right now]," said Abhishek Sharma at the India Today Conclave.

Also read: 'Out of runs' - Gautam Gambhir defends star cricketer after lean patch in T20 World Cup 2026

I expected this: Abhishek Sharma

In India, viewers and critics tend to give opinions on cricketers' batting style, bowling action, line and length, and many other things if they see anyone struggle. While the intent might be good, sometimes it pushes the player back even more. Abhishek opened up about how viewers suggested and commented after his failure and also stated that he had expected all this to happen since cricket is taken quite seriously in the country.

“That was the first thing I did after my second zero. That actually helped me a bit. I was getting a lot of suggestions and comments from people. That’s how a cricketer’s life is. You have to listen, and you will be criticized. All you can do is listen and ignore. That is because they have a lot of expectations from you. Sometimes you deliver and sometimes you don’t. I expected this,” he added.

Also read: Suryakumar Yadav reveals dressing room conversation after Ahmedabad call in T20 World Cup 2026

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