Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that the absence of key players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is being felt in India’s squad as they prepare for the significant T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Abhishek Sharma has been underperforming in the T20 World Cup, having entered the tournament with high expectations. Kaif pointed out that the lack of Kohli and Rohit is impacting Team India. Both players retired from T20Is after winning the T20 World Cup in 2024, hosted by the West Indies and the USA. Kaif believes their experience would have greatly benefited young players like Abhishek.
“When Abhishek is struggling, like now, you notice the lack of players such as Virat and Rohit. When Virat was in the squad, he helped guide the other batsmen, and Rohit did the same. They have a lot of experience, which is beneficial for younger players. Right now, Abhishek could use guidance from someone like Virat or Rohit,” he mentioned on his YouTube channel.
Currently ranked No. 1 in T20I batting, Abhishek has not scored any runs so far in the tournament, suffering three consecutive ducks. Kaif remembered how Virat Kohli managed a strong comeback in the 2024 World Cup final, despite a poor showing in the group stage.
“Virat had a strike rate of 150 in the IPL and tried to replicate that in the 2024 World Cup, but it didn’t work. He adapted his game in the final, valuing his wicket more. If a top player can adjust, Abhishek needs to refine his approach as well. You can’t just play at your own pace if it hasn’t been working here,” he added.
In the Super 8 stage, India is in Group 1 alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe, and West Indies. Group 2 includes England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan.
