New Delhi, March 8 -- Legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was among those who heaped praise on opener Abhishek Sharma, who scored 52 runs from 21 balls in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand on Sunday.

Abhishek, who got off to a poor start in the tournament, scored just his second half-century of this T20 World Cup, after having scored a 30-ball 55 against Zimbabwe in the Super 8 stage.

Abhishek had begun the tournament with three consecutive ducks, before scoring 15 runs against South Africa in India's Super 8 opener. He also endured low scores of 10 and nine against West Indies and England respectively.

"Not the easiest tournament for Abhishek Sharma, but the team showed belief in his ability. He has repaid that f...