India Eyes Peak Performance Ahead of Super Eights

Ahmedabad: (Web Desk) – India are aiming to hit their peak at the right time as they enter the Super Eights of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with the team downplaying concerns over opener Abhishek Sharma’s recent slump.

Abhishek registered his third consecutive duck against Netherlands on Wednesday, while India secured a fourth straight win in Group A, completing a perfect group-stage campaign. Despite remaining unbeaten, the co-hosts have struggled for consistency, with standout contributions coming from Shivam Dube, who scored 66 runs and also took 2-35 with the ball.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said the team has yet to play its “perfect game” but is moving in the right direction. “It’s a good time to peak…this is the time to bring it to the table,” he added ahead of India’s Super Eights opener — a rematch of the 2024 final against South Africa on Sunday.

Ten Doeschate addressed Abhishek’s form slump, noting that the world’s number one ranked T20 batsman performed well in nets and remains confident. “He’s well aware of how good a player he is…a small run of form like this can happen,” he said.

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Other Indian batters have been more consistent. Suryakumar Yadav rescued India from 77-6 against the USA with an unbeaten 84, while Ishan Kishan has scored half-centuries against Namibia and Pakistan.

Dube, the latest player of the match, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for South Africa and upcoming Super Eights matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies. “It’s just about being ready, play well, give 100 percent on that day,” he said.

The top two teams in Group 1 will advance to the semi-finals, keeping India in contention for a strong run in the tournament.