T20 World Cup Final: Abhishek Sharma Says Using Shivam Dube’s Bat Helped Spark Match-Winning Knock

Ahmedabad — Indian opener Abhishek Sharma revealed that he used teammate Shivam Dube’s bat during his explosive innings in the final of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, saying he wanted to “try something different” before the crucial match.

Abhishek smashed a rapid 52 off just 21 balls to power India national cricket team to a dominant 96-run victory over New Zealand national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, helping India secure their third Men’s T20 World Cup title.

Speaking to reporters after the match, the left-handed opener said he had decided to experiment with Dube’s bat on the morning of the final.

“I used Shivam Dube’s bat today, so thanks to him. In the morning I felt like trying something different. Since Shubman Gill was not around, I went to Dube and picked up his bat,” Abhishek said during the post-match press conference.

The young batter had struggled earlier in the tournament, scoring only 89 runs before the final. He was also dealing with the aftereffects of a stomach infection, which affected his form leading up to the decisive clash.

However, in the final he produced a stunning turnaround, reaching his half-century in just 18 balls and setting the tone for India’s commanding win.

Reflecting on his difficult phase over the past month, Abhishek credited the support of teammates and team staff for helping him regain confidence.

He said that during challenging times, the encouragement from people around a player becomes crucial. Despite his lack of runs in previous matches, teammates and coaches continued to back him and believed he would deliver when it mattered.

Abhishek added that maintaining self-belief is essential during tough phases in sport. According to him, doubting oneself only increases pressure and makes it harder to play freely.

“Self-confidence, hard work and supporting others are very important,” he said, noting that helping teammates and maintaining a positive environment eventually benefits everyone.

His blistering knock in the final proved decisive, giving India the early momentum needed to dominate the match and lift the T20 World Cup trophy.

With inputs from IANS