'He can feel...' - Former cricketer predicts pressure on Abhishek Sharma ahead of IND vs WI Super 8 clash
AB de Villiers says India’s in-form batter could be under pressure in key IND vs WI Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026 encounter.
Abhishek Sharma (Image | BCCI on X)
Last Updated: 12.06 PM, Mar 01, 2026
South Africa's former cricketer AB de Villiers opens up on India's batting star Abhishek Sharma and his performance in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He scored three back-to-back ducks in the tournament followed by a half-century against Zimbabwe in the previous game. However, in a pressure situation like that against West Indies, all eyes will be on him.
Speaking about his form, De Villiers showed concern about how difficult it is likely to be for the player to perform against West Indies. There will be a lot of pressure on the opener since it's an important match and India will need a great start so that it will get converted in the middle overs.
"He's out of form but very dangerous. They'll need him against the West Indies. It's a pressure game, and for a guy out of form to play a pressure game is tough. Look at Jos Buttler, for instance, against New Zealand. You can see he's feeling a bit of pressure. He's one of the best T20 players ever, and if he can feel the pressure, Abhishek will certainly feel the pressure against the West Indies with the entire country on his back," said AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel.
Can India qualify for semi-finals?
Interestingly, the encounter between India and West Indies is crucial for both teams since they are on the verge of qualification. India will have to win the match and so does West Indies. However, it the match is abandoned because of rain, West Indies will edge past the hosts and qualify for the semi-finals.
They have a better NRR than India and hence, they'll proceed towards the knockouts. West Indies have +1.79 and India have -0.10. The weather in Kolkata is cloudy for the most past and hence, will be impossible for India to qualify if the game is washed out. It will be interesting to see what happens in the match.
Where to watch India vs West Indies match?
Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs West Indies match on March 1 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.