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After losing the match to South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium, everyone is calling “Ishan Kishan as a scapegoat”. To save Abhishek Sharma, who had suffered three consecutive ducks, the team management decided that the in-form Ishan Kishan would play the first ball. The aim was clear to reduce the initial pressure on Abhishek and save him from another zero.
On whose advice did Ishan Kishan play his first ball in Ahmedabad?
New Delhi. An incident took place in the Super 8 match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 played between India and South Africa on 22 February 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which raised questions on the direction of the entire tournament. Every fan coming out of the stadium had only one thing in his mind that why Ishaan was crucified.
After losing the match to South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium, everyone is calling “Ishan Kishan as a scapegoat”. To save Abhishek Sharma, who had suffered three consecutive ducks, the team management decided that the in-form Ishan Kishan would play the first ball. The objective was clear to reduce the initial pressure on Abhishek and save him from another zero. This plan was successful but the team lost the match because this time the in-form Ishan was out on zero.
Ishaan’s sacrifice to save Abhishek
Abhishek Sharma could not even open his account in the first three matches of the tournament. The rhythm of this young opener, who had given an aggressive start in the powerplay, was completely broken. Usually he used to take the strikes but the picture changed in the do or die Super 8 match against South Africa. Ishan Kishan was forced by the team management people to take the responsibility of playing the first ball. It was decided in the team management and dressing room that after getting out on zero three times in a row, Abhishek should not be given the mental pressure of the opening ball. This decision was both strategic and emotional. But luck did not favor. Ishan Kishan was out on zero on the fourth ball of Aiden Markram. There was silence in the stadium. A debate broke out on social media whether this decision was right.
Abhishek’s form still a concern
There was no benefit for Abhishek Sharma even in sacrificing Ishaan. He got some time and scored 15 runs in 12 balls. This was his first score in this World Cup, although the innings did not last long but scoring runs after three consecutive ducks was important for his confidence. So far in the T20 World Cup 2026, Abhishek has scored only 15 runs in total, three times zero and once 15 runs. These figures clearly show that form has been the biggest concern for Team India.
First over and Abhishek’s performance match by match
First match- The fast bowler bowled the first over for India. Abhishek was out on the very first ball.
Second match – Again the fast bowler started Abhishek out on zero. Third match started with spin and the result was same zero. In the fourth match, in the Super 8 against South Africa, Ishan played the first ball and then Abhishek scored 15 runs. It is clear that the strategy changed but the results did not change completely.
Was this decision just a match strategy or a sign of lack of trust in the dressing room. Ishan Kishan’s move is being seen as a sacrifice but in a team game, sacrifice is considered successful only when the results support. The night in Ahmedabad raised many questions on the strategy of the Indian team.