'It was some headless batting from him' - Legendary cricketer's blunt take on Abhishek Sharma after IND vs ENG semifinal

Ravichandran Ashwin slammed Abhishek Sharma after yet another lacklustre performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, this time against England in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5.

Ashwin admitted that he is a big fan of the out-of-form opener but urged him to take some time before a favourable match-up comes his way. The former India off-spinner believes that someone needs to have a conversation with Abhishek and ask him to rethink his approach to batting.

"Abhishek batted well against New Zealand in the bilaterals, so I would not be too fussed about him. But I would have this conversation with him, that there is a plan. Please don't try to go hard. I felt it was some headless batting from him. I am his big fan. But his intent was only he will score. Sometimes you need to take time. Sanju was batting so well at the other end. Take a single and get away. Your match-up will also come. You will get that one over," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.

Apart from Abhishek, Varun Chakaravarthy has also been in dismal form of late. Ashwin opined that it would be crucial for these players to be given a shot in the arm ahead of the all-important final against New Zealand on Sunday, which takes place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

"India are bleeding in certain places. If this final would have been against South Africa, I would be really concerned. But they are taking on New Zealand. The last time these two played in Ahmedabad, New Zealand had almost the same team. I am going to have these conversations. What sort of net sessions are Varun and Abhishek going to have? After this game, how will you give these two confidence? That will be at the top of my list," he reflected.

In the game against England, Abhishek only scored nine runs off seven balls. Meanwhile, Chakravarthy managed to pick up a solitary wicket and gave away 64 runs in his four-over spell.