Abhishek Sharma Must Change Mindset to Become Superstar, Says Manoj Tiwary

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has criticised Abhishek Sharma following another underwhelming outing in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against West Indies, urging the opener to reassess his mindset and shot selection ahead of the semifinals.

Abhishek’s lean run in the tournament continued as he was dismissed for 10 off 11 balls in India’s must-win encounter. The left-hander has managed just 80 runs in six matches so far, including three ducks and a solitary half-century — a dip in returns that has raised concerns within cricket circles despite India progressing to the knockout stage.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Tiwary said Abhishek must learn to value his wicket more highly. He remarked that failing to put a price on one’s wicket often leads to loose strokeplay and unnecessary dismissals. According to Tiwary, while Abhishek has rapidly gained recognition and established himself as a star, the next step is delivering match-winning performances consistently.

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Tiwary added that with intense competition for places and several proven match-winners in the side, Abhishek needs to stay ahead by converting opportunities into substantial contributions. He also pointed out that the youngster dropped two catches during the match, stressing that overall awareness and decision-making must improve in high-pressure situations. He advised Abhishek to cultivate a mindset that allows him to clearly determine which deliveries to attack and which to respect.

Echoing similar concerns, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted technical flaws in Abhishek’s batting approach. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan noted that during the attempted attacking shot that led to his dismissal, Abhishek’s back knee was excessively bent and his weight shifted backwards. Pathan suggested that the batter performs better when transferring more weight onto the front foot and said adjustments in balance and positioning would be necessary moving forward.

Despite the recent struggles, Abhishek continues to hold the No. 1 ranking in T20I cricket, underlining the high expectations surrounding him. With India set to play England in the semifinals, the focus will be on whether the young opener can rediscover his rhythm and justify the faith placed in him during the crucial knockout stages.

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