Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath backed struggling Indian opener Abhishek Sharma to come good in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against England in Mumbai. The southpaw has been in surprisingly bad form, with under 100 runs after six innings at an average of under 14.
However, he should enter the England game with an excellent mindset, considering his heroics the last time the two teams met in Mumbai. Abhishek smashed the English bowlers for a breathtaking 135 off 54 deliveries at the venue in February last year.
Badrinath also backed the out-of-form Varun Chakaravarthy to be retained in the 11.
He said on his Instagram handle:
“My suggestion to the Indian team would be not to make any changes to the 11. Abhishek will definitely do well at the Wankhede as it’s a great six-hitting ground. They should also continue trusting Varun Chakaravarthy, as he has been a huge reason for India advancing this far in the tournament. So I expect no changes to the 11.”
Badrinath added:
“I’ve been hearing things like drop Abhishek and bring in Rinku Singh. Make Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson open. Likewise, drop Varun Chakaravarthy and bring in Kuldeep Yadav, as good wrist spinners have done well at the Wankhede stadium, which is another move I’ve been hearing.”
Varun started the tournament in fine form but has picked up only a wicket each in his last three matches, while conceding runs at an economy of over 10.
Abhishek Sharma boasts an excellent T20I record against England
Abhishek Sharma has been spectacular against England in T20Is throughout his brief career. The 25-year-old has scored 279 runs in five games against them at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate of almost 220.
Furthermore, Abhishek has even thrived with the ball in T20Is against the English, picking up half of his six wickets against them. His best figures of 2/3 came against them in Mumbai last year, making him a massive threat for the 2022 T20 World champions.
The winner of the India-England semifinal will play New Zealand in the grand finale in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.
Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran