Faf du Plessis Advises Indian Opener Abhishek Sharma on Countering Opposition Tactics in T20 World Cup

Kathmandu. Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has advised Indian opener Abhishek Sharma to bat by understanding the strategy being adopted by the opposing team for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Abhishek, who entered the tournament in excellent form, has scored only 15 runs in four matches, including three consecutive 'ducks'.

Opposing teams are strategically setting fields to stop his aggressive off-side strokes during the powerplay. His preferred areas, often deep point and deep extra cover, have been closed off by placing fielders there. Against the USA, he was caught at deep cover on the first ball. In the recent match against South Africa, he struggled against the slower ball, where his scoring area was limited by fielders at deep backward point and deep cover.

South African legend Du Plessis stated, "The game has become very smart strategically. Analysts and teams study deeply how to dismiss a batsman. Against Abhishek, deep point and deep extra cover are currently placed because he plays excellent shots on the off-side."

He added, "Upon reaching the crease, one must understand how the opposition is trying to dismiss me. Do I stick to my strengths? Or do I reduce the risk and try to take one or two runs with ground shots? A player like Abhishek might try to hit a six over cover, but that decision must be made by the batsman according to the situation."

According to Du Plessis, opposing bowlers are bowling many slower balls to Abhishek because his swing is long and deceptive. He mentioned that attempts are being made to disrupt his timing by reducing the ball's speed. In such a situation, he suggested that Abhishek should either move forward to play or wait for the ball to come closer before selecting his shot.

"When bowlers are bowling slower balls, sometimes I move forward towards the wicket so that I can generate the pace myself. Or I stay back and wait for the ball, which prevents my hands from going forward," he said.
Du Plessis also clarified that Abhishek does not need much technical advice. He expressed confidence that Abhishek would play an excellent innings in this World Cup after a few matches.

"Everyone is talking about him right now. Hundreds of opinions and advice will come. This is a difficult situation when playing your first World Cup at the age of 25. But he has performed incredibly well in the IPL in recent years. He is a new-generation T20 player who believes more in aggressive options than defensive play," he said.

"The main thing is to shut out the external noise and focus on his own strengths. I have no doubt he will perform excellently within a few innings," Du Plessis advised.