Ian Bishop backs Abhishek Sharma for 2026 T20 World Cup, says he is ahead of the queue

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop reckons Abhishek Sharma is ahead of the queue for the T20 World Cup 2026 despite not being in the best of form. Sharma has been backed by captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir and he has grabbed his chances with both hands.

The left-hander has scored 535 runs in 17 T20I matches at an average of 33.44 and a blistering strike rate of 193.85. But in the ongoing IPL 2025, the aggressive southpaw has scored 240 runs in nine matches at an average of 26.67 and a strike rate of 180.45. Sharma scored a brilliant knock of 141 runs against Punjab Kings but has managed only 99 runs in the remaining eight games.

“I think Abhishek Sharma has been given a run in recent T20Is, and has flexed enough to say, despite current form, he was given that run with Tilak Varma and all those guys in South Africa. So, I would say unless he is making five ducks in a row, I would put him ahead of the queue,” Bishop said on ESPN Cricinfo.

However, the likes of Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill are waiting in the wings. Sudharsan is currently the Orange Cap holder with 456 runs in nine games at an average of 50.67 and a strike rate of 150.

Bishop said the Indian selectors are spoiled for choices and it is a problem of plenty rather than a problem of famine.

“Imagine giving Sai Sudharsan a role, where he does not have to play the GT role, the responsibility. Imagine what it would be like if you say, ‘Sai, just go out, don’t fear failure, take it up another gear, don’t give us this responsible role,'” Bishop questioned

“That is a great problem to have. It is a problem of plenty rather than a problem of famine,” he concluded.

The young Indian players are definitely grabbing their opportunities with both hands in the IPL, which are great signs for Indian cricket.