New Delhi: Former India off spinner Harbhajan Singh has offered words of encouragement to Abhishek Sharma, who is enduring a difficult run in the T20 World Cup after registering three consecutive ducks. Harbhajan acknowledged that repeated failures can weigh heavily on a player’s mind but stressed that self belief remains the key to overcoming such phases.
Abhishek went into the final group stage fixture low on confidence following a dismissal for zero against Pakistan in Colombo. On that occasion, he struggled to find gaps on the off side and attempted an aggressive shot against off spinner Salman Ali Agha, only to lose his wicket. A similar script unfolded against the Netherlands, where he again found it hard to pierce the infield on the off side and opted for a big slog. A quicker delivery that skidded through beat his bat and disturbed the stumps, extending his scoreless streak.
Harbhajan advised the young batter to trust his ability and remain patient, expressing confidence that runs will eventually flow. He noted that once Abhishek gets off the mark and spends some time in the middle, his rhythm and assurance will return. According to the former spinner, a slight tactical adjustment could help, suggesting that the left hander focus more on playing straight rather than targeting the midwicket region early in his innings.
With a key match against South Africa approaching, Harbhajan believes the opposition may test Abhishek with spin early on. However, he insisted that external strategies should not distract the youngster from backing his natural game.
Despite putting in extended practice sessions ahead of the Netherlands encounter, Abhishek has yet to open his account in the tournament. The upcoming fixture presents another opportunity for the talented batter to reset and rediscover his touch on the big stage.
