Shastri and Ponting back Abhishek Sharma to deliver when it matters most against England
The numbers make uncomfortable reading. Sharma has scored 80 runs in six innings at an average of 13.33, with just one fifty to show for his efforts. For a player who was expected to set the tone at the top of the order alongside Sanju Samson, it has been a frustrating tournament. The calls to drop him have grown louder after each low score.
Ponting, who had tipped Sharma before the tournament as a potential player of the tournament and leading run-scorer, has not backed away from that position. Speaking during commentary, Ponting reiterated his faith in the 25-year-old, pointing to the quality he has shown in domestic cricket and the IPL as evidence that the ability is there.
Shastri's take on the mental side
Shastri approached the question differently, focusing on the psychological element. The former India head coach suggested that any decision about Sharma's place should start with an honest assessment of where his confidence stands.
If the coaching staff believe Sharma's mindset has been significantly affected by the run of low scores, Shastri proposed a reshuffle: move Ishan Kishan up to open alongside Samson and bring Rinku Singh into the lower middle order. It is a practical suggestion that acknowledges the issue without writing off the player entirely.
But Shastri's preferred option was clear. He believes Sharma should play, and that a semi-final is exactly the kind of high-stakes occasion where a player of his talent can produce something special. The counter-argument is straightforward: big matches bring clarity, and sometimes a struggling player finds form precisely because the occasion demands it.
The case for keeping Sharma
India's batting order has been built around left-right combinations, and Sharma's presence as a left-handed opener alongside the right-handed Samson gives the team balance from the first ball. Removing him changes the dynamic of the powerplay approach.
There is also the match-up angle. England's attack relies heavily on pace, and Sharma's ability to pull and drive through the leg side when in form makes him a genuine threat against quick bowling. His innings of 50 against Sri Lanka in the group stage showed what he is capable of, even if that performance feels like a long time ago now.
What Gambhir decides
Ultimately, the decision rests with head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav. India have options. Kishan has performed well when given opportunities, and Rinku Singh offers explosive finishing lower down. But changing a settled opening pair before a semi-final carries its own risks.
India's net session at the Wankhede on Tuesday will offer some clues. How Sharma looks in practice, and how the management communicates with him, could determine whether he walks out to face the first ball on Thursday evening.
