"I Worry For The Critics" – Suryakumar Backs Abhishek to Explode in Super 8 Showdown Against South Africa

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has thrown his full weight behind Abhishek Sharma ahead of the high-voltage Super Eights clash against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026, insisting the explosive opener will come good when it matters most.

The rematch of the previous final will unfold in Ahmedabad on Sunday, with both sides entering the contest unbeaten. Yet, while South Africa have ticked boxes across departments, India’s campaign has been marked by fluctuating batting returns, none more glaring than Abhishek’s three successive ducks.

“People who are worried about Abhishek’s form, I worry for them,” Suryakumar said with a grin. “I think about those teams against whom he is going to fire as he has not been able to score till now. When he gets the runs then you know how it is.”

Despite the lean patch, Abhishek Sharma remains central to India’s attacking blueprint. The left-hander, currently the world’s top-ranked T20 batter, has built his reputation on fearless powerplay hitting since debuting in July 2024. India’s highest total so far, 209 in a commanding win over Namibia, reflects that aggressive intent, though Ireland’s 235 against Oman stands as the tournament benchmark.

Suryakumar emphasized adaptability over recklessness. “We are trying to explode from the start because everyone knows their T20 template, but we don’t want to become a team that’s always blasting away,” he said. “There could arise a situation where two-three wickets fall early and we have to be a smart team to bat well between 12-15 overs and we have enough firepower that if the base is strong then we can smash 60-70 runs in the last five overs.”

India’s confidence is further boosted by their spin depth. Varun Chakravarthy has claimed nine wickets in four matches, leading an attack that has complemented the batting unit. South Africa’s spinners, including Keshav Maharaj, present a comparable threat, ensuring no clear favourite heading into the showdown.

India carry a 12-match unbeaten streak in the T20 World Cup 2026 into the contest, momentum they will hope continues against a disciplined South African unit.