As India gears up for the highly anticipated four-match T20I series against South Africa, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has issued a stark warning to Abhishek Sharma: it’s a “do or die” situation for him. With the pressure mounting, Sharma must deliver strong performances to secure his place in the playing XI, especially with formidable competitors like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill poised to return to the squad soon.
Table of Contents
Abhishek Sharma Faces ‘Do or Die’ Pressure Ahead of T20I Series Against South Africa
The Stakes Are High for Abhishek Sharma
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra emphasized the critical nature of this series for Sharma. He noted that the absence of Jaiswal and Gill—who are currently preparing for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25—means that Sharma has a golden opportunity to make his mark. However, failure to perform could see him sidelined when these star players return for the England series in January.
Chopra stated, “The pressure will be on Abhishek Sharma and a little bit on Sanju Samson, although Sanju scored a hundred in the last match. It’s crucial for Abhishek to score runs whenever he gets the chance to open. If he doesn’t deliver in this series, he will definitely be dropped when the England T20I series comes around.”
Acknowledging the Challenge
Despite his belief in Sharma’s talent, Chopra pointed out that the young opener has struggled to replicate his earlier success since scoring a century against Zimbabwe. “I love Abhishek to bits. I find him a very good player. He scored a hundred in Zimbabwe, but since then, there hasn’t been a performance that would justify keeping him in the squad,” he remarked.
Chopra highlighted the volatile nature of Indian cricket, where team selections can change rapidly. “The changes in the Indian team are happening like that. It’s important for the openers to make an impact to retain their places,” he added.
Upcoming T20I Series: A Crucial Test for Team India
The Indian team is set to face South Africa in the first T20I in Durban on November 8. Abhishek Sharma is expected to open alongside Sanju Samson, who has already shown his form with a half-century in the match. Notably, the selectors did not include backup openers in the squad, but adjustments can be made if necessary.
Sharma made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in July, following an impressive IPL 2024 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad. After a disappointing duck in his debut match, he bounced back with a stunning 100 runs off 47 balls in the second T20I. However, aside from that century, his performance has been lackluster, with a top score of just 16 runs in his other six innings.
Match Update: A Tough Start for Abhishek
In the opening match against South Africa, Abhishek Sharma struggled once again, scoring only 7 runs off 8 balls while opening with Sanju Samson, who had already made a significant contribution to the team’s score. This performance raises further questions about Sharma’s place in the squad as the series progresses.
As the T20I series unfolds, all eyes will be on Abhishek Sharma to see if he can rise to the occasion and secure his position in the team. The pressure is on, and the stakes have never been higher. Will he deliver when it matters most? Only time will tell.
