India vs West Indies: Abhishek Sharma’s Horror Outing Deepens in 196 Chase

India's chase of 196 at Eden Gardens began with promise - and quickly hit a bump. After two steady overs that took India to 12/0, the third over from Akeal Hosein exploded into drama. Sanju Samson launched the counterattack, but the over ended with West Indies striking a crucial blow, opening their attack with wicket against Abhishek Sharma.

Another early exit for Abhishek Sharma

Hosein's over had everything. Samson carved a crisp cut for four. He then swept a full delivery over deep backward square leg for six. Moments later, he rocked back and launched a towering pull over deep mid-wicket for another maximum.

The crowd roared. India surged. But just when momentum tilted firmly in the hosts' favour, Abhishek Sharma mistimed a pull off a short delivery on middle and leg. The ball ballooned high towards deep square leg.

Shimron Hetmyer didn't fumble this one. Abhishek was gone for 10 off 11 balls. India 29/1 after three overs. Hosein's figures: 2-0-22-1. The silence inside Eden Gardens was immediate.

Errors Pile on for Abhishek Sharma during India vs West Indies

Roston Chase audaciously scooped Jasprit Bumrah for six - a shot that sent a ripple through the Kolkata crowd. On the very next delivery, Chase mistimed one. It ballooned up. It should have been simple. Abhishek Sharma settled under it... and spilled it. A regulation catch in a knockout match. Gone begging.

Fans Turn on Abhishek during India vs West Indies

Social media wasted no time reacting - and it wasn't kind.

"Abhishek Sharma should sit down, he's just becoming a burden and not performing. Instead open with Rinku Singh."

"Abhishek Sharma should be dropped asap, he is low in confidence, there are many talented players waiting in line."

Another fan didn't hold back: "Dropping two catches and then getting out for 10 is as bad as it gets in a World Cup game. Abhishek Sharma owes the bowlers a huge apology."

Some pointed to tactical flaws: "The inexperience of #AbhishekSharma has been properly exploited... He doesn't need to change his natural game but he definitely needs a Plan B."

It's been a turbulent World Cup for the young opener - and in a knockout scenario, patience wears thin.

India need 167 more runs. Samson has provided early firepower, racing to 18 off 7, but the loss of Abhishek checks the tempo slightly. West Indies have drawn first blood, and the pressure in a must-win match is beginning to show. At Eden Gardens, every over feels amplified.