New Delhi — Abhishek Sharma, who endured heavy criticism after a rocky start to the T20 World Cup 2026, answered his doubters with a match-defining knock in the final as India successfully defended their title. The left‑hander smashed a blistering 50 off 18 balls to help India post 255/5, and India then bowled New Zealand out for 159 to seal the championship.
Abhishek’s tournament began disastrously: he registered three consecutive ducks in the opening matches and managed just 89 runs in seven games before the final. He posted 15 against South Africa, rediscovered some form with a quick 55 versus Zimbabwe, but followed that with 10 against the West Indies and nine in the semifinal against England, leaving questions over his place in the XI.
Despite the inconsistent returns, coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav publicly backed the young opener, a vote of confidence that paid off on cricket’s biggest stage. Abhishek’s rapid fifty in the final swung momentum firmly to India and set up a commanding total that New Zealand could not chase.
Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin lauded Abhishek on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, playfully calling him a “rascal.” “I’m a huge fan of Abhishek…there are the guys you want in the big moments, because they are rascals and they walk into the fire,” Haddin said, adding that Abhishek’s aggression “put pressure on the opposition” and helped shape the game.
Haddin also acknowledged New Zealand’s achievement in reaching another final but noted their recurring difficulty at the last hurdle. Abhishek finished the tournament with 141 runs at a strike rate of 158.42, a tally that underlines how a player’s overall contribution can be defined as much by timing and impact as by consistency.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/rascal-ex-australia-wicketkeepers-bold-remark-on-abhishek-sharma/articleshow/129567864.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-03-14 08:11:00
