The ongoing T20I World Cup has not unfolded the way Abhishek Sharma would have hoped. Across six matches so far, he has managed 80 runs, with his best effort being a 55-run knock against Zimbabwe. What has been surprising is his difficult start to the campaign, where he recorded three consecutive ducks. The sudden dip in form has triggered discussions about form. Despite the scrutiny, Indian team management has chosen to stand behind the young opener. India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, addressed the concerns surrounding Abhishek’s form and expressed confidence in the batter’s ability to turn things around. Notably, India are set to face England in a high-stakes semi-final on Thursday in Mumbai.

“Sometimes this game could be hard on you. Abhishek, his way of playing is one or two shots that can find him that rhythm, that can give him that confidence back and that for me is a pleasing sign. He is not the guy that worries too much about technique," said Morkel at the press conference.

“It's a fresh page for him tomorrow, opportunity to go and do well, scored a hundred here against England not so long ago, so for him it's just tapping into those little videos and looking at his feel-good moments and building a blueprint and knowing he's starting on zero tomorrow. It's a new opportunity for him and enough for him to make a play," he said.

Morkel highlighted the quality in the England side that makes them a dangerous side.

“I think playing against England, a team that is street smart, obviously there is a lot of quality in their side, batting quite long, deep, which makes them a very dangerous side, and then with the ball also, they have got wicked taking options. They way they approach a T20 game, fearless trying to take the game on, makes them a dangerous side," Morkel said.