Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Abhishek Sharma had been considered a key batsman for India. Despite being ranked among the top batsmen in the current ICC standings, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has suggested that Sharma might be better rested for the final. Kaif’s recommendation comes in light of the youngster’s inconsistent form during the tournament.
Abhishek Sharma’s World Cup Performance
Sharma has struggled to make an impact in the tournament. Across seven matches, he has managed just 89 runs, with a solitary substantial innings of 55 against Zimbabwe. In the remaining six matches, his scores have been 0, 0, 0, 15, 10, and 9. Given this sequence, calls to reconsider his place in the playing XI appear reasonable.
| Match | Runs Scored |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 55 |
| Pakistan | 0 |
| Australia | 0 |
| New Zealand | 0 |
| Sri Lanka | 15 |
| South Africa | 10 |
| England | 9 |
On his YouTube channel, Kaif cited West Indies opener Brandon King as a precedent, highlighting how teams manage players struggling with form. “India can rest Abhishek Sharma. He has played many matches already. Making a change causes no harm. In T20s, you can rotate your squad strategically. King was off form, and Roston Chase opened against India instead. He was given 5–6 matches but rested ahead of key games. Similarly, Sanju Samson’s inclusion worked for the team,” Kaif explained.
Possible Replacements and Squad Options
If Sharma is rested, Ishan Kishan could move up to open. Kaif emphasised that India has several tested performers who could fill the gap. “Rinku Singh consistently scores runs in all formats—Tests, Ranji Trophy, or IPL. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj deliver wickets in every condition. Look at the dugout; there are ready players like Rinku who can step in. When one player is out of form, there is no reason to bench another in form,” Kaif noted.
Even India’s top-ranked bowler Varun Chakravarthy has faced similar scrutiny, conceding 64 runs in four overs in the semi-final. Yet Kaif believes Chakravarthy will remain in the final: “I don’t think they will drop Varun. They will work with him to fine-tune his line and length for the next match.”
Experience vs. Youth
Kaif drew a distinction between Sharma and Samson: “Abhishek is still relatively new to ICC tournaments, unlike Samson, who has over 8,000 T20 runs. Samson is established, capable of big shots, and consistently ranks among the IPL’s top players. Abhishek, however, is young and still needs to develop his game fully. He is not completely ready yet.”
Kaif’s advice underscores a common T20 strategy: balancing experience and form. Resting a talented but out-of-form player like Abhishek Sharma could strengthen India’s chances in a high-stakes final, while also managing workload for the young talent’s long-term development.