Abhishek Sharma's slump more of a mental issue than a technical one: Nasser Hussain

Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes Abhishek Sharma's recent slump may be due to a mental issue after he was dismissed for another duck against the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain feels that Abhishek Sharma's poor run of form is down to a mental issue after he was dismissed for a duck against the Netherlands on Wednesday, February 18. Abhishek's recent performances have drawn attention as India prepares for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. The Indian opener has registered three consecutive ducks, raising concerns about his batting form heading into the crucial phase of the tournament against South Africa.

During the group stage match against the Netherlands, off-spinner Aryan Dutt cleaned up Abhishek in the first over. The Indian opener rejoined the squad for the match against Pakistan in Colombo but was dismissed by off-spinner Salman Ali Agha. These struggles have now resulted in Sharma recording five ducks in his last seven T20I innings, including two during the home series against New Zealand before the World Cup.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain weighed in on the situation, suggesting the issue may be more psychological than technical.

"I think three ducks must make it mental. It is not like you are getting 10, 15, 20, and then you are like, 'I am okay'. Three ducks is suddenly, I mean, it is such a drop-off from where he has been. He is such a consistent hitter of a ball," said Hussain to the ICC.

Hussain advised the young batter to revisit his past successful performances to regain confidence. The former England skipper said that Abhishek needs to spend a couple of days just rewatching his finest knocks and get himself into a good space.

"You just need someone to have a little nudge on him, or even go to his room in the next couple of days, and put in the videos. I don't know if they have videos, I am talking like an old man now. Get your analyst to send you all your great knocks, which there are plenty, and just sit there for two days and remind yourself what a great batter you are, and what a great striker of the ball you are, just to get your mind into a good space," Hussain said.