All eyes are now on Abhishek ahead of the crucial match against South Africa in Ahmedabad. Being out for zero runs in three consecutive innings, it is natural for the confidence of this young batsman to be shaken. Such form on a big stage like the Super 8s adds to the pressure for any attacking opener.

Bad times can happen in sports, but those are the hardest times. Filled with self-doubt, the player begins to question his own abilities. Criticism on social media makes the situation even more difficult, as negative comments stand out more than positive ones.

This is why Gambhir reached the Narendra Modi Stadium with Abhishek on the morning of the match. There the local bowlers were already prepared. In three 15-minute sessions, he practiced against short-length balls, bouncers on the rib line and off-spin, to get him back into rhythm ahead of the match.

Gambhir’s extra focus is not only a coach’s responsibility, but also a result of experience. Because he also once faced the same situation. In 2014, when he was the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, he lost confidence due to consecutive failures. Later he returned to the rhythm by playing a big innings again.

He knows from that experience that bad times are temporary. So he wants to convince Abhishek – failure does not mean the end. Even great players have ups and downs in their careers, the key is to be patient and trust your process.

Now Abhishek has a chance to prove his mettle. There is no problem playing after watching a few balls, if necessary, the partner can strike first. Cricket is not a game of pride, but of patience and confidence. The team believes that this talented batsman will make a strong comeback very soon.