Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has endured a dramatic downturn in form in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, registering his fifth duck in 2026, including three in this tournament. He has become the first player to record three ducks in his first three matches in T20 World Cup history even as India have qualified comfortably for the Super Eight stage. His recent scores highlight the contrasting fortunes of one of the game’s most destructive batsmen in recent years.
A look at his last few T20 innings
Across his last 10 T20 innings in last one month, including the T20 World Cup and India’s bilateral series against New Zealand, Sharma’s record reflects both his high-impact potential and shocking struggles:
• 18 Feb 2026 vs Netherlands (T20 WC) – 0 (3)
• 15 Feb 2026 vs Pakistan (T20 WC) – 0 (4)
• 7 Feb 2026 vs USA (T20 WC) – 0 (1)
• 4 Feb 2026 vs South Africa (T20 WC warm-up) – 24 (18)
• 31 Jan 2026 vs New Zealand (T20I) – 30 (16)
• 28 Jan 2026 vs New Zealand (T20I) – 0 (1)
• 25 Jan 2026 vs New Zealand (T20I) – 68* (20)
• 23 Jan 2026 vs New Zealand (T20I) – 0 (1)
• 21 Jan 2026 vs New Zealand (T20I) – 84 (35)
This pattern of explosive innings followed by low scores, underlines both the volatility of T20 batting and the heightened pressure of major tournament stages, where early dismissals can amplify scrutiny.
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Three consecutive ducks at T20 WC 2026
Abhishek’s campaign in the T20 World Cup has been particularly challenging. After starting with a golden duck in India’s opener against the USA, he was dismissed without scoring in the high-profile clash with Pakistan. He fell for another duck againt Netherlands, as he is yet to open his account in the tournament with the bat.
Despite the slump, he remains one of the most feared hitters in T20 cricket globally, holding a remarkable career strike rate amidst these lean patches, a reminder that his overall impact on the format remains significant even when runs are elusive.
India registers 4th win a row
In India’s Group A finale against the Netherlands at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Sharma’s early dismissal for zero again spotlighted his struggles, but India’s depth and firepower ensured another comfortable victory. Shivam Dube anchored the innings and India posted a challenging total of 193/6, while the bowlers executed plans effectively to restrict the Dutch line-up to 176/7, sealing 17-run victory. India’s win ensure they head to Super 8 stage with 4 wins in 4 matches.
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What’s next for Abhishek
For Abhishek, the immediate focus will be regaining confidence and rhythm as India prepare for Super 8 stage. Coaches and senior players have publicly backed the opener to rediscover form, emphasising the inherently high-risk nature of T20 batting rather than an underlying technical flaw. He still remains a crucial player in India's top-order, especially given his ability to shift momentum quickly when in form.
The Super Eight stage offers him a chance at redemption against top bowling attacks, and a single big innings could shift narratives dramatically in a format defined by rapid changes in fortunes.
