The T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium was expected to be a routine league-stage fixture. Instead, it delivered one of the most bizarre moments of the tournament.
When India’s in-form opener Abhishek Sharma walked out to bat, fans immediately noticed something unusual — he wasn’t wearing his own jersey. The left-hander, ranked No. 1 in T20Is, appeared in a shirt bearing ’73’ — the number associated with fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.
The moment sparked instant confusion. Had Abhishek broken ICC regulations? Was India in trouble? Social media erupted with questions even before the first boundary was struck.
Why did Abhishek Sharma wear Mohammed Siraj’s jersey?
As it later emerged, the explanation was far less dramatic than the online frenzy suggested. Abhishek had reportedly left his kit bag — including his registered match jerseys — at the team hotel.
With India winning the toss and choosing to bat, there was little time to retrieve the forgotten gear. Rather than delay the match and risk disciplinary action, the opener scrambled for a solution. He first tried on a teammate’s spare shirt before eventually settling on Siraj’s jersey — conveniently available, as Siraj was not part of the playing XI for that match.
Commentators Sunil Gavaskar and Nasser Hussain clarified the situation mid-broadcast, confirming it was a logistical mishap rather than a deliberate act.
Did Abhishek break ICC rules?
The short answer: No.
While the ICC maintains strict clothing and identification guidelines during global tournaments, there is room for flexibility in exceptional situations. Abhishek’s case fell under that category.
1. Emergency exceptions
ICC Clothing and Equipment Regulations provide match referees with discretionary powers in unforeseen circumstances, such as damaged or misplaced kits. Since this was an accidental oversight, officials treated it as an emergency swap.
2. Uniform compliance
Although the name and number on the back did not match the player, the jersey itself was an official India team shirt with proper tournament branding and sponsor logos. The professional appearance of the match was therefore not compromised.
3. Official approval
Importantly, team management informed match officials before Abhishek took the field. With their approval granted to avoid a delay-of-game scenario, there was no breach of conduct and no fine imposed.
Similar instances have occurred in the past, with players occasionally borrowing jerseys due to travel or logistical errors without facing sanctions.
Abhishek’s poor form continues in T20 World Cup 2026
If the jersey drama created curiosity, Abhishek’s performance deepened the narrative. Unfortunately, the borrowed shirt did not change his fortunes. He was dismissed for a three-ball duck, bowled by Netherlands spinner Aryan Dutt.
The dismissal marked an unwanted milestone. It was his third consecutive duck in the 2026 T20 World Cup — against USA, Pakistan, and now the Netherlands — making him the first Indian batter to register a ‘hat-trick’ of ducks in a single T20 World Cup edition.
