The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final is set to take place on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, featuring a crucial match between India and New Zealand. As the final approaches, the selection of the playing eleven has become a hot topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. One of the key figures expressing his opinion on the matter is former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, who has raised concerns about the continued inclusion of opener Abhishek Sharma due to his poor performance throughout the tournament.

Gavaskar pointed out that Abhishek Sharma has struggled in the series, particularly illustrating weaknesses against spin bowlers. He noted that during the tournament, Abhishek only managed to cross the 50-run mark once and faced three dismissals via off-spinners. This consistent underperformance has led to speculation regarding his fitness for the final match, especially since he recorded a series of ducks in three consecutive innings. In the semis against England, he scored just 9 runs before getting out.

Overall, Abhishek's statistics from the tournament highlight his struggles, where he accumulated a mere 89 runs over 7 matches with an average of just 12.71. Gavaskar's advice to the management to reconsider Abhishek's position in the playing eleven reflects a critical point in the team selection process, aiming for the best possible lineup in a high-stakes final against a formidable opponent like New Zealand.