Kapil Dev Backs Abhishek Sharma Ahead of T20 World Cup Final

As India prepares for the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand on March 8, 2026, all eyes are on young opener Abhishek Sharma. Despite a challenging tournament that has seen him struggle with consistency, Sharma has gained the support of Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev. Following India’s tense semifinal victory over England, Kapil urged the team management to trust the young player, emphasizing that the final provides an opportunity for redemption.

Sharma’s performance has been under scrutiny, with his only significant contribution being a rapid half-century against Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament. Kapil, renowned as India’s first World Cup-winning captain, expressed confidence in Sharma’s potential. “Just believe in your team, and the management should believe in the player,” he stated. “Abhishek should believe in himself that ‘I can perform and I will perform.’ There is still one game left—the final.”

India’s Path to the Final

India’s journey to the final has been anything but straightforward. In the semifinal held in Mumbai, the team posted an impressive total of 253 runs, but faced a daunting challenge from England. A remarkable century from Jacob Bethell, who scored 105 off 48 balls, pushed India to their limits, ultimately resulting in a narrow victory by just seven runs. Reflecting on the tense match, Kapil admitted, “I didn’t think it would become this difficult. When India scored 250-plus, it was a brilliant game. In the end, it was cricket’s win.”

Kapil’s insights also highlighted the pivotal roles played by key players in India’s campaign. Jasprit Bumrah showcased his skill under pressure, reinforcing his status as one of the world’s leading fast bowlers. Kapil praised Bumrah’s poise during the match, stating, “Bumrah is the number one bowler in the world. He delivers under pressure… he deserves all the respect.”

Another standout performance came from Sanju Samson, whose explosive 89 runs provided a solid foundation for India’s semifinal total. Following a crucial 97 against the West Indies in the Super Eights, Samson has proven his critics wrong, and Kapil believes that Sharma can follow a similar path to redemption. “Sanju really played wonderful cricket in the last two games. Big players can miss the target sometimes, like what happened to Abhishek, but they will come back,” said Kapil.

Looking Ahead to the Final

As the Indian team heads to Ahmedabad for the final, there is palpable excitement surrounding whether Abhishek Sharma can rise to the occasion and deliver a match-winning performance against the Black Caps. The final offers a unique platform for Sharma to demonstrate his ability and silence any doubts about his capabilities.

With Kapil Dev’s endorsement and the backing of the entire team, Sharma’s potential to shine on such a grand stage has become a focal point for fans and analysts alike. As the countdown to the final begins, cricket enthusiasts around the world will be keenly watching to see if the young opener can harness this moment for a significant breakthrough in his career.

This T20 World Cup has certainly been a journey of highs and lows for India, and with the final looming, the excitement continues to build as they aim for glory once more.