India’s young batter Abhishek Sharma admitted that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was one of the most emotionally challenging phases of his career, revealing that he even began doubting himself during a string of low scores before finally finding his moment on the big stage.

Speaking after India’s dominant 96-run victory over New Zealand national cricket team in the final, Sharma said the unwavering faith shown by the team management and senior players helped him navigate a difficult tournament.

Reflecting on his struggles, the young opener acknowledged that the tournament tested him mentally, especially as expectations around him continued to rise. “Of course there were moments when I felt why this was happening to me,” he said while speaking about his run of low scores during the competition.

Sharma explained that despite the disappointing performances, the support from the dressing room never faded. According to him, both the captain and the coaching staff constantly reassured him that he would eventually deliver in a crucial game.

“The coach and the captain had faith in me. Even I was doubting myself because it was not an easy tournament for me,” Sharma said, highlighting how unusual the experience was for a young player still relatively new to international cricket.

Playing in his first World Cup also brought added pressure, he admitted, as expectations grew that he would produce a match-winning performance. Sharma revealed that teammates and staff often told him he would eventually win India a big game.

“Everyone kept saying you’re going to win one big game for us. I was just following my process, but it wasn’t easy as a young player who has only spent a year or two in the Indian team,” he added.

The emotional weight of the situation even brought him close to tears during the tournament. Sharma said he was desperate to contribute in every match but struggled to convert opportunities into big scores.

“I got emotional in between the tournament because I wanted to do really well in all the games, but I couldn’t,” he admitted.

What stood out most for the young batter, however, was the way the team supported him during the tough phase. Instead of questioning his form, the captain, coaches and support staff repeatedly approached him with encouragement and belief.

“They always came to me and said one thing – you are going to win us the big games,” Sharma recalled.

That reassurance, he said, kept him going until the moment finally arrived on the biggest stage of the tournament. “I just wanted to wait for that day, and you can’t ask for a better day than this,” Sharma concluded after India lifted the trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.