T20 WC 2026: Pathan Flags Abhishek’s Off-Spin Trouble Before SA Clash

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan did not go around in circles. He said it clearly. Abhishek Sharma’s shot selection is getting him out. The young opener has faced off-spinners from Pakistan and Netherlands and failed each time.

His bat comes from a high angle. He tries to hit across the wicket. Those balls were not meant to be driven big. They were singles balls. Or maybe controlled boundary shots. But Abhishek went too hard.

Three matches. Three ducks. For a No.1 ranked T20I batter, that hurts.

The Off-Spin Pattern

Against Pakistan and Netherlands, off-spinners like Salman Ali Agha and Aryan Dutt kept it simple. They bowled into his hitting arc but slightly slower, slightly wider of his comfort zone. Abhishek tried to force.

Pathan explained that these deliveries were not meant to be smashed across. Either take a single. Or hold shape and hit straight. That small adjustment could change everything.

South Africa will watch this closely. They won’t miss this pattern.

What Pathan Suggested

Pathan said Abhishek should not change his natural bat angle now. That can create more confusion. Instead, he needs to get off the mark first. Just a single. Feel the pitch. Rotate strike.

If the spinner comes early, respect that phase. Move to the other end. Then attack the fast bowlers. When someone like Aiden Markram bowls, there is no need to swing from ball one.

Sometimes survival is smarter than style. Especially in a World Cup.

Big Test at Narendra Modi Stadium

India face South Africa in the Super 8 stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Pressure will be real. Abhishek’s form will be under direct spotlight.

South Africa’s bowlers are disciplined. They can bowl wide lines. They can slow it down. If they stick to off-side channels, Abhishek must show patience. If he doesn’t, it can be another short stay.

This match may decide his tournament story.

Ishan Kishan in Prime Form

While Abhishek struggles, Ishan Kishan looks unstoppable. Pathan called this the best phase of his career. And numbers support it. In four matches, Kishan has scored 176 runs at a strike rate above 200. Two half-centuries already.

He dominates leg side. Square leg. Fine leg. Even long-on and mid-on when bowlers change plans. Bowl short to him early, and he pulls hard. Like Rohit Sharma does. That is his comfort zone.

South Africa’s Possible Plan for Kishan

But South Africa may not give him that comfort. They could bowl wide. Force him to play on off-side early. Kishan has improved there, yes. But mostly after getting set.

If Proteas bowlers deny leg-side angles, it becomes interesting. Very interesting.

India’s batting story in T20 World Cup 2026 right now is split in two halves. One batter finding rhythm. Another searching for first run. Against South Africa, both narratives meet.

And cricket, as always, gives no guarantees.