Kaif Claims Kohli-Rohits Presence Could Have Helped Abhishek

India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma is still struggling with the bat in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The left-handed batter has been dismissed for a duck in three consecutive matches in the tournament, putting him under immense pressure. Naturally, such a start on the international stage has raised discussions about his confidence and mental state.

Abhishek had a “golden duck” experience in his first World Cup match. He missed the middle game due to a physical issue. Even after returning to the team, he failed to open his account in the next two matches. Three consecutive ducks are disheartening for any batter.

In this context, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif highlighted the lack of experience in the Indian dressing room. Speaking about Abhishek’s situation on his YouTube channel, Kaif said, “Considering Abhishek’s current form, he has returned for three matches without scoring, still unable to open his account. In such times, the absence of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is felt.”

According to Kaif, if players like Kohli and Rohit were in the team, it would have been easier for young cricketers to handle such situations. He added, “When players of that caliber are in the side, youngsters benefit a lot. Virat would advise him on footwork and the importance of running between the wickets. In such scenarios, experienced players provide immense support.”

After India’s 2024 World Cup triumph, Kohli and Rohit retired from international T20 cricket. In Kaif’s view, while replacements may have been found on paper, the gap created by their absence has not yet been fully filled. On big stages, the presence of an experienced player can play a crucial role in restoring a young batter’s confidence after failure.

Overall, Abhishek’s three consecutive ducks are not just a matter of individual failure. They have also sparked discussions about the lack of experienced leadership in the Indian team. The key question now is how quickly the young opener can regain his rhythm during this challenging period.