India, March 4 -- Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes the team should persist with Abhishek Sharma for the semi-final, unless there are any mental or confidence-related concerns affecting him. While Abhishek has found it tough this tournament, Shastri feels backing him could pay off. The left-hander has managed 80 runs from six outings at an average of 13.33, with a top score of 55, striking at 131.14, numbers that underline a T20 World Cup campaign that hasn't quite taken off. A stomach infection disrupted his preparation and forced him out of the Namibia game, and he has struggled to find rhythm since returning.

Throwing his weight behind continuity while leaving room for a late rethink, Shastri said the call ultimately rests...