India is set to play their first Super 8 match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, 22 February, against South Africa, and Abhishek Sharma’s form is still a concern for the team. Now, the former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwari blames his stomach infection for his poor performance in the group stage.
During a Cricbuzz show, Manoj Tiwari blames Abhishek Sharma’s stomach issue for his poor form. He said that Abhishek’s illness hampered his form and momentum.
Tiwari said, "Sure, there is the law of averages that will be in play, but he needs to take care of his stomach as well. It is his stomach that has caused this problem. Since returning from that food poisoning break, he has not scored in 2 innings. According to me, he is rushing too much. Sometimes you have to respect bowlers, even if they can bowl well and land the ball in the right areas."
"If he thinks that way while coming out to bat, then he will look to play the ball safely, which is not there to be hit straight or square. If he does that, then I am sure he will start firing soon," he added.
Notably, Abhishek Sharma has played a total of 3 matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 and got out for ducks in all three games. He got out on a duck in Mumbai against the USA. After that, he missed the second match against Namibia due to a stomach infection. The opener returned against Pakistan but failed in that inning too, getting out on a duck, and was also unable to score even a single in the last match against the Netherlands. Further, it is unlikely that Sanju Samson be included in India's playing 11 vs South Africa.
India will play South Africa in their first match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 on Sunday, 22 February, at Narendra Modi Stadium, and Abhishek Sharma’s form will be crucial for the team.
