Bowlers have found a clear plan for Abhishek Sharma
Faf du Plessis has pointed out that the teams are no longer bowling blindly in the Indian opener. He got out on the very first ball, getting deep to cover against the US, and then the South African bowlers kept mixing slower balls, and he looked confused and struggled to time the ball.
“Tactically, the game has become so smart with analysts and the way they try to get you out. What I’ve noticed with Abhishek lately is that people are now bringing in deep and providing deep extra cover because he’s so good at hitting the ball through the offside,” du Plessis said on ESPNcricinfo Timeout.
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Faf du Plessis’ simple advice to struggling Abhishek Sharma
Du Plessis suggested that the Indian opener should first understand what the other team is planning against him when he takes the field and see where the teams have placed fielders. He then asked Abhishek to think about how they were going to get him out and then ask himself one question: “Should I still play my natural attacking shots, or should I play it a little safe?”
The former Proteas captain further pointed out that Abhishek Sharma likes to hit big sixes over cover and point as he hits the ball very cleanly. That is his strength. But when there are fielders, he should not always go for a big shot as Du Plessis suggested he should avoid a blind attack.
He wants Abhishek to hit the ball across the ground, take singles or doubles and play in a different area, instructing him to use his brain. Du Plessis added: “You probably try to hit six shots over cover because he hits the ball so clean. But that’s the decision you have to make as a batsman.”
Slower balls become a big problem
Abhishek has a long and powerful swing, and that is his strength, but now bowlers are using it against him. By slowing the pace of the ball, they let it play early, resulting in mistimed shots and easy catches. So Du Plessis believes that Abhishek needs to get smarter here.
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He said: ‘Either you try to get past the wicket because you want to generate pace to hit the ball, or you try to sit back and focus on the slower ball so your hands are never in front of you.’
Faf du Plessis backs Abhishek Sharma and predicts big blow in T20 World Cup 2026
Faf du Plessis believes that Abhishek Sharma doesn’t need too much advice. He thinks Abhishek is a very talented player and predicted that the Indian opener will play “a great innings” in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He also slammed the huge noise surrounding Abhishek’s struggles.
The South African star has pointed out that cricket experts, fans and former players all give different opinions, and this is putting pressure on the 25-year-old, who is playing in his first World Cup. Du Plessis said the most important thing for Abhishek is to remain calm, ignore outside noises, trust his own game and focus on his strengths.
He concluded by saying: “The key for him now is how do you keep the noise out? How do you make sure you focus on your strengths and your game and keep your mind as clear as possible? Because there’s a lot of noise going on when a player is in this state. I have no doubt about it; give him a few more innings, the youngster will come through and he’ll have a great innings somewhere in this World Cup.”
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