Abhishek Sharma: As India prepares to kick off their high-stakes Super 8 campaign against South Africa this Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, all eyes are on one man: Abhishek Sharma. The 25-year-old opener, who entered the 2026 T20 World Cup as a potential X-factor, finds himself in the middle of a harrowing slump, having recorded three consecutive ducks in his last three outings against the USA, Pakistan, and the Netherlands.
The Viral Video
In the buildup to the February 22 fixture, the cricketing world has been abuzz with reports of a secret meeting between Abhishek and his long-time mentor, legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. A video currently circulating on social media platforms claims to show the youngster coming out of a car and entering a hotel, possibly to seek mental guidance from the 2011 World Cup hero right here in Ahmedabad.
Last night, Abhishek Sharma met Yuvraj Singh in Ahmedabad.Abhishek was later seen returning to the team hotel after the meeting.
Yuvraj must have guided and motivated him for today’s big match against South Africa.
Abhishek’s performance pic.twitter.com/3g0Scg8CuG— HARISH KUMAR SAIN (@Khuni3213) February 22, 2026
While the credibility of the footage remains unverified by official sources, the timing is poignant. Abhishek’s journey in this tournament has been plagued by misfortune, starting with a bout of poor health during the group stages followed by a total desertion of form. For many fans, the prospect of a “Yuvraj-inspired” intervention is the omen they need for a classic comeback.
Suryakumar Yadav Defends Abhishek Sharma
Despite the mounting pressure and calls for Sanju Samson to take the opening slot, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has doubled down on his support for the struggling left-hander. Addressing a packed pre-match press conference on Saturday, the skipper appeared completely unbothered by the external noise.
When questioned about Abhishek’s string of zeroes, Suryakumar delivered a quip that has since gone viral. “Abhishek Sharma ki form ki jo chinta kar rahe hai, unki chinta mai kar raha hu (I am worried for those who are worried about Abhishek Sharma’s form),” he said with a grin.
The captain’s logic was simple: the lack of runs makes Abhishek more dangerous, not less. “Why are they so worried about Abhishek’s form? But I think about those teams that are going to play against him. That he has not yet scored a run. You know the rest of the answers. When he scores a run, you have seen what happens,” he added.
Standing Firm on Selection
Suryakumar also dismissed suggestions of a middle-order shakeup, literally laughing off the idea of replacing Tilak Varma with Sanju Samson for the clash against the Proteas. By maintaining a settled XI, the management is sending a clear message: they believe in the “Abhishek Storm” and are willing to wait for it to break.
As the sun sets over Ahmedabad, the narrative is set. Will the “Yuvraj touch” propel Abhishek Sharma to a match-winning knock against South Africa, or will the Proteas’ pace attack extend his nightmare run?
