'Now rest him' - Former India cricketer urges BCCI to drop Abhishek Sharma in Zimbabwe clash in T20 World Cup 2026
Former India cricketer advises BCCI to rest Abhishek Sharma for the Zimbabwe clash in T20 World Cup 2026 after a hectic schedule. Should India drop the in-form opener?
Abhishek Sharma (Image | ICC)
Last Updated: 09.02 PM, Feb 23, 2026
India's star batter Abhishek Sharma has received quite a lot of criticism regarding his performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The left-handed batter opened his account in the tournament yesterday against South Africa after scoring three back-to-back ducks. Since then, the criticism hasn't stopped.
Speaking about the same, India's former cricketer Mohammad Kaif opened up about Abhishek's performance and urged the selectors to drop him from the next game. He spoke about how important it is to include the players who are in great form and Abhishek is certainly not in form currently.
“Firstly, whichever batter is out of form, give them a break. This is a T20 World Cup, not a bilateral. It is not like it is a bilateral, and you can keep playing until you get back your form. This is a World Cup, a do-or-die match. Abhishek Sharma is not in form. You gave him three matches, and even a fourth one, now rest him," said Mohammad Kaif on ABP News.
Very far from winning the World Cup: Mohammad Kaif
India's former cricketer also gave his verdict regarding India's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign focusing on how they will not be able to win the tournament. India, who were unbeaten until now, lost a crucial match to South Africa with a huge margin, pushing their NRR to -3.80. This is not a good thing for the Indian team since they will now have to beat West Indies and Zimbabwe and wait for the results of the other teams.
“They have not made this team properly. We don't have proper bowlers and all-rounders. If Shivam Dube is your sixth bowler, and Washington Sundar, who does not play often, is your fifth bowler, then I am sorry, we are still very far from winning the World Cup,” added Mohammad Kaif.
Where to watch India vs Zimbabwe match?
Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs Zimbabwe match on February 26 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.