Murali Kartik slams Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek Sharma’s poor run of form continues. The Southpaw yet again failed in an important clash against the West Indies last night at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It was just not a day for the flamboyant young batter, as initially he dropped two easy catches in the first innings and then scored 10 off 11 deliveries.
A Sanju Samson masterclass of 97* off 50 deliveries sealed India’s victory in a must-win game to qualify for the semi-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Abhishek Sharma was picked by Akeal Hosein in an over where he tried to launch and gave a simple catch to Shimron Hetmyer.
Sometimes you put your team in difficult situations- Murali Kartik
Speaking on the podcast of Cricbuzz, former India spinner Murali Kartik has shared his views on Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal and the need to have respect for the situations and the bowlers, and just not strike the ball blindly.
Kartik said, “You can say that his way of playing is like this — I will play like this. Or you can say that 17 runs have come. This sometimes tells the experience. It teaches you your mistakes. Did I need to play this shot at that time? Sometimes you put your team in difficult situations. You take some wrong thoughts at that time.”
No one knows when it will turn upside down- Murali Kartik
Murali Kartik also spoke that even the greatest of cricketers go through a rough phase in their career, even after scoring runs for a few matches, the players have gone through tough phases where they have to work hard to get the first runs.
Murali Kartik further added, “I think, I said this again, that you have to respect the game and the opposition. You have to respect the situation. Because you can understand that your time is going well. But no one knows when it will turn upside down. This game has seen giants. Even those giants have come at a time when they don’t know where the runs are coming from.”
Here’s the video
‘Abhishek को लय हासिल करने के लिए देना होगा गेंदबाज़ों को सम्मान’
🗣️ @kartikmurali और @tiwarymanoj की राय, Cricbuzz Live हिन्दी पर#T20WorldCup #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/pfSkMJVJkU
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 2, 2026
“This game is like that. You will get a run in four matches — this is not an easy thing. And suddenly you will look around and feel like, do you want to buy a run? Players have seen such days. So that’s why I say again and again, it is very important to respect that time, that game, that situation.”
Abhishek Sharma’s string of low scores continues
Murali Kartik also believes that Abhishek Sharma needs to play as per the situation of the game. As before Abhishek got out, Sanju Samson was striking and 17 runs were scored in the first five balls; it was a needless shot to play.
Murali Kartik further added, “So I want to say this to Abhishek. I said this last time too. Look at the situation. What do you want to do? What do you need to do? Do you have all the shots? Yes. Can you hit anywhere on the ground? Yes. So what do you need to do? You need to give a little respect.”
Kartik finally concluded saying, “And when they start doing it, I don’t think anyone can stop them. Because there are so many shots. When we talk about this team, look at the talent. How much talent is there? The most important thing is — can you control yourself in those situations? That is what is most needed. And sometimes experience will teach you.”
“Experience teaches you— you don’t get experience anywhere else. And I want him to learn soon. Don’t make such mistakes. Because this is a very important phase. Think about it. You have everything. You are considered a feared player. Don’t do it the other way.”
Abhishek Sharma has scored just one fifty in the tournament, which came against Zimbabwe, and so far he has three ducks and fifteen runs. The No.1 T20I batter has not had a great time at the major event.
Also Read: Faf du Plessis, Anil Kumble credit India’s off-spin crisis for Sanju Samson’s rise
