India head coach Gautam Gambhir wasted no time engaging in an animated discussion with opener Abhishek Sharma inside the team bus after India landed in Chennai on Monday for their second Super 8 fixture of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
India suffered a 76-run defeat to South Africa in their Super 8 opener in Ahmedabad on Sunday, their heaviest loss in World Cup history. It was India’s first loss in 18 matches across ICC white-ball tournaments, having suffered their last defeat also in Ahmedabad – 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia.
Abhishek, who lit up the T20 format last year with his explosive strokeplay, has struggled to find rhythm in the tournament. He began his campaign with three consecutive ducks and, although he got off the mark against South Africa, he never looked settled. The Proteas kept him in check before Marco Jansen dismissed him with a knuckleball for 15 off 12 balls.
Despite continued backing from the team management, Abhishek has failed to capitalise on his opportunities, even as talk of Sanju Samson entering the XI grows louder.
However, Gambhir appeared to reaffirm his faith in the left-hander. A clip that went viral on social media showed the India coach animatedly explaining something to Abhishek inside the team bus after the squad arrived in Chennai ahead of their February 6 clash against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Judging by his hand gestures, Gambhir seemed to be discussing technical tweaks and tactical adjustments for the must-win encounter.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, reached the Super 8 stage for the first time in their T20 World Cup history after an unbeaten group-stage campaign that included wins over Australia and Sri Lanka.
India too progressed through the group stage unbeaten before being comprehensively outplayed by South Africa in Ahmedabad.
The Men in Blue will also face West Indies in their final Group 1 Super 8 fixture on March 1 in Kolkata.
