NEW DELHI: Abhishek Sharma's campaign in his maiden T20 World Cup got off to a forgettable start as the top-ranked T20I batter fell for a golden duck in India's opening Group A match against the USA in Mumbai on Saturday.

Abhishek's perennial tendency to go for the big shot from the outset proved costly once again, as he holed out to Sanjay Krishnamurthi at deep cover off Ali Khan in the second over. The USA also deserved credit for their sharp field placement and disciplined execution.

Abhishek is not the only Indian batter to have been dismissed for a duck in his debut T20 World Cup innings, but he also became the second Indian batter to be out for a golden duck.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who would later go on to define India's biggest ICC moments, too had a forgettable start. Ashish Nehra, better known for his heroics with the ball, also fell first ball on debut. Shardul Thakur and Deepak Hooda joined the list, learning the hard way how unforgiving the World Cup stage can be.

Earlier, USA skipper Monank Patel won the toss and invited co-hosts India to bat.

India have not fielded pace ace Jasprit Bumrah in the match as he is unwell, with Mohammed Siraj coming into the playing XI. All-rounder Washington Sundar and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson have also been left out of the XI.

"We have Washi (Washington Sundar) missing out, Sanju (Samson) missing out. Unfortunately Bumrah is not well so Siraj is playing," said India skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss.

"We were looking to bat first. Wicket looks good, there is wind around so we don't expect dew. It's alive even before the game starts and I am sure it is going to be even better," he added.