All eyes were on Abhishek Sharma as Team India hit the nets at Narendra Modi Stadium for an optional training session ahead of their final group match against the Netherlands. With the Men in Blue already through to the next stage, Wednesday’s clash is inconsequential, but the session carried weight as preparation for the crucial Super 8 opener against South Africa at this very venue on February 22.
The top-ranked ICC T20 batter has had a quiet World Cup, yet to open his account in the tournament. After missing the game against Namibia due to a stomach bug that caused him to lose around six kilograms, Abhishek registered ducks against the USA and Pakistan. His form line in the last five T20Is reads 0, 0, 24*, 30, 0.
Despite the numbers, the Indian camp remains unfazed. The opener was the central figure at the nets, undergoing another lengthy session focused on bat flow and power-hitting. Facing spinner Varun Chakaravarthy and other net bowlers, the left-hander looked ominous, dispatching anything in his slot into the stands with disdain. He was engaged in deep conversations with head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
Addressing the media, Kotak played down concerns about Abhishek’s lean run, emphasising a calm approach. “We don’t unnecessarily over-analyse,” Kotak told reporters. “Because sometimes, you start to make your own assumptions about what the opposition are doing. He has his plans sorted and follows the way he wants to play.”
Kotak highlighted the volatile nature of the T20 format as a reason to avoid panic. “It’s a high-risk game and players will get out at some point. If we start stressing on such things, then there will be pressure on players. He is in good form, he has got a clear plan and clear mindset. He has made runs before he was unwell,” Kotak added.
While several players opted out of the optional session, a core group including Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and captain Suryakumar Yadav sweated it out alongside Abhishek. Washington Sundar had a brief hit.
Gambhir was spotted having an animated discussion with Tilak regarding specific hitting areas. The batter then switched slots to face the throw-down specialists. Suryakumar had a brief hit, facing Arshdeep Singh and Chakaravarthy. His focus was on playing straight down the ground, interspersed with trademark sweep shots.
The session also saw special emphasis on fielding, with fielding coach T Dilip putting the bowlers through their paces. Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep were seen working intensively on catching drills.
With the pressure of qualification off, India’s management is using the Netherlands game as a dress rehearsal to iron out minor chinks before the high-stake battle against South Africa.
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