NEW DELHI: It all started with a bout of stomach trouble that disrupted the momentum Abhishek Sharma had built at the start of this T20 World Cup.

After finishing as the second highest run scorer in 2025 among leading nations, Abhishek entered the tournament as one of the favourites to dominate. But the law of averages appeared to catch up with the world No. 1 T20 batter when he walked back with three ducks in three consecutive matches.

'We don’t need a perfect game': Harry Brook confident before India semifinal clash

Despite his explosive start to international cricket and the pedigree he carries, the last few weeks have once again underlined cricket’s unpredictability. Even the finest players can appear ordinary on the biggest stage.

Having built his reputation by overpowering bowlers worldwide and racing to the top of the rankings in a format as volatile as T20Is, Abhishek has now been compelled to temper his aggressive instincts and most importantly, allow himself time at the crease.

He no longer goes after bowlers from the very first delivery and has even opted to defend occasionally, a shift that caught the attention of the legendary Sunil Gavaskar.

Not too long ago, India captain Suryakumar Yadav was battling a phase where relentless work in the nets failed to produce results on the field.

By his own admission, stepping away from the game briefly helped him reset. On his return, giving himself time at the crease allowed Suryakumar to turn around a forgettable 2025 in emphatic fashion.

Abhishek appears to be treading a similar path. While he has dialled down the all out assault from ball one, he remains quick to seize scoring opportunities when they arise.

As he navigates the dilemma of choosing the right approach, it is fair to say that one of India’s brightest young talents finds himself in a familiar spot. Many Indian players before him have endured phases where scrutiny intensifies just as performances dip.

That raises the question whether Abhishek’s recent struggles, including a few dropped catches, are rooted in fading confidence.

“No, I think just sometimes this game can be hard on you, cruel on you. (It is a) similar situation that Sanju (Samson) found himself in, that, in your career, you're going to find moments like this,” India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel, who addressed the media on the eve of the semifinal, replied to a PTI query.

“This is good growth (opportunity); it's good learning for him. For a young guy finding his feet in international cricket, this will only help him down the line in Indian cricket.”

One shot away from rhythm

The South African expressed confidence that Abhishek’s turnaround could hinge on just a delivery or two.

“Coming back to his form, Abhishek, (with) his way of playing, it's (about) one or two shots that can find him that rhythm, that can give him that confidence back, and that for me is a pleasing sign,” Morkel said.

“He's not a guy that worries too much about technique. Normally those sort of players take a lot more time to get into confidence,” he added.

India and England national cricket team have faced off twice before in T20 World Cup semifinals, sharing one win each. Notably, the victor in both encounters went on to lift the trophy.

Wankhede memories and a fresh start

It was exactly a year ago that Abhishek lit up the Wankhede Stadium in a T20 International, smashing an English attack featuring several bowlers he will meet again in the semifinal. His 54 ball 135 included 13 sixes and seven fours and announced his arrival in grand style.

“It's a fresh page for him tomorrow (on Thursday), (an) opportunity to go and do well. (He had) scored a hundred here against England not too long ago,” Morkel recalled.

“So for him, it's just (about) tapping into those little videos and looking at his feel-good moments and building a blueprint and knowing (that) he's starting on zero tomorrow. It's a new opportunity for him,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)