Abhishek SharmaAfter another disappointing series against Zimbabwe, India’s struggles in T20Is are once again in the spotlight, with former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth calling on the selectors to take tough decisions if the poor performance in the opener continues.The left-handed batsman endured a forgettable three-game series, failing to score in double digits. His recent numbers have also raised eyebrows, Abhishek He was unable to cross 20 points in each of the last 6 T20I innings. He has managed just half a century since India won the T20 World Cup and his place in the team has come under scrutiny as competition for the starting spot intensifies. The controversy further intensified since then Sanzhou SamsonIndia, who had the best player during their T20 World Cup triumph, were left out of the Zimbabwe series despite a stellar performance. With multiple opening options available, Abhishek’s long-term slimming down will only increase the pressure on the ICC’s former number one T20I batsman.Commenting on the dip in form in the opener, Srikanth said rival teams have found ways to contain Abhishek and believed the selection panel may have to take a bold decision soon. He also expressed confidence that Samson will return to India.“Abhishek Sharma has been dropped in international cricket since the World Cup. I think a tough decision has to be taken on him now. I feel Sanju will get another chance now. He will get a 100 per cent callback. The selectors will have to take a tough decision,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel.While Abhishek’s performance was the talk of the town, India also found a lot to celebrate with the return of Mayank Yadav. The fast bowler returns from a long injury layoff for his first international appearance since October 2024.Mayank made an immediate impact by taking two wickets in the first T20I and then ended the series with three wickets in the final game. Bowling with real pace throughout the tour, he has been causing trouble for Zimbabwe’s batting line-up and looks close to his best.Srikanth was happy to see the pacer complete all three matches without any fitness issues and urged the team management to continue investing in young talent.
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“It’s great to see Mayank Yadav playing three games. Happy for him. Look how consistent the boy is. India’s future is very good. You have to back the right youngsters. I don’t mind Ashok Sharma either,” he said.
