Faf du Plessis Offers Tactical Blueprint for Abhishek Sharma’s World Cup Redemption

The 2026 T20 World Cup has been a rollercoaster for India's rising star, Abhishek Sharma. After entering the tournament with a reputation for explosive hitting, the opener has hit a significant roadblock, recording three consecutive ducks in his first four outings. However, veteran campaigner Faf du Plessis believes the youngster is just one innings away from a massive breakthrough, provided he can tune out the critics and adjust to the sophisticated traps set by opposition analysts.

Tactical Traps and Powerplay Struggles

The primary issue for Abhishek has been the calculated field placements used by rival teams. With only 15 runs in the tournament so far, it is evident that bowlers have done their homework. By placing deep fielders at point and extra cover, teams are baiting his natural instinct to go big over the off side. This strategy proved fatal against the USA and South Africa, where he fell to a first-ball duck and struggled against pace-off deliveries.

"Tactically, the game has got so smart with analysts and the way that they are trying to get you out," du Plessis noted. "What I've picked up of late with Abhishek is people are now putting a deep point out and a deep extra cover out because he's so good at hitting the ball through the off side."

Adjusting the Beautiful Swing

Du Plessis pointed out that Abhishek’s elegant, long swing is being neutralized by a barrage of slower balls. To counter this, the former South African captain suggests either charging the bowler to create momentum or staying deep in the crease to wait for the ball.

"The other thing I've picked up is that teams are bowling a lot of slower balls at him, and it's because he's got such a beautiful swing," du Plessis explained. "What you're trying to do with guys that have such a long swing is you're trying to take pace off the ball."

Blocking the External Pressure

At just 25 years old, the pressure of a debut World Cup can be overwhelming. Du Plessis emphasized that the biggest challenge for the top order batter is managing the influx of advice from all corners. Having dominated the IPL for years, the skill is there; it is now a mental game of remaining clear-headed.

"Right now, everyone in the world is talking about [him]," du Plessis said. "I've got no doubt, give him a couple more innings, the youngster will come through, and he'll have an amazing innings somewhere in this World Cup."