No pressure on India opener Abhishek Sharma after two ducks, says coach

AHMEDABAD: India opener Ashishek Sharma should not feel under pressure at the T20 World Cup after failing to score a run so far, because he has “a clear plan and clear mindset”, a team coach said Tuesday.

Defending champions India have won three from three in Group A.

They face the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on Wednesday in their final group match with their berth in the Super Eights already assured.

But the form of the usually explosive left-hander Abhishek has been under scrutiny.

“We don’t unneccessary over-analyse,” India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told reporters.

“Because sometimes you start to make your own assumptions what the opposition are doing.

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“He has his plans sorted and follows the way he wants to play.

“Obviously we discuss about the oppositions and their bowling strengths. It is all normal for every batter.”

The 25 year-old missed the second match against Namibia with a stomach infection.

Either side of that he registered two ducks – out first ball in the opener against the USA and fourth ball against Pakistan – meaning he has only faced five balls all tournament.

“He has made runs before he was unwell,” said Kotak.

“The T20 format is a high-risk game and players will get out at some point. If we start stressing on such things then there will be pressure on players.

“He is in good form, he has got a clear plan and clear mindset.”

Kotak said there were no dead rubbers for India, ahead of the match against the Dutch that will now have no bearing on the tournament.

“Every game is important for momentum,” he said.

“We played the last game with the same intent and will play the next game with the same intent.”