India vs West Indies: Abhishek Sharma Missed Sitter Sparks Reaction

India's must-win Super 8 clash against West Indies at Eden Gardens is underway - and the early tension is palpable.

With South Africa already through as Group 1 toppers, this match is effectively a quarterfinal. Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl, sticking with an unchanged XI despite calls to bring Rinku Singh back into the side.

After six overs, West Indies are 45/0. Shai Hope is anchoring on 25 off 25 balls, while Roston Chase has moved to 20* off 11.

Abhishek Sharma gifts Roston Chase lifeline at India vs West Indies

The fifth over brought the first real jolt. 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. It was the second lifeline Chase had received in the innings, and social media reacted instantly.

"Bro Abhishek Sharma, it's a knockout game and you are dropping an absolute sitter!"

"Abhishek Sharma is third class fielder."

Another fan posted bluntly: "Abhishek Sharma in this World Cup... mera life itna kharab hai."

And the comparisons came too: "#ViratKohli never dropped catch like Abhishek Sharma in pressure matches."

Harsh? Yes. But this is a World Cup decider.

Pressure Mounts at India vs West Indies

Earlier in the powerplay, there was a brief stoppage when Roston Chase required treatment. The physio rushed in, adding another layer of uncertainty. Axar Patel kept things tight in his over, conceding just five runs.

But India have not managed the early breakthrough they desperately wanted.

West Indies are scoring at 7.5 per over - not explosive, but controlled. Given their deep batting line-up, allowing a platform could prove dangerous.

The equation is simple: win and reach the semifinals. Lose, and it's over.Missed chances in knockout games have a way of returning to haunt teams. India will hope that Abhishek's drop doesn't become one of those moments replayed endlessly if this slips away.

For now, West Indies are steady. India are searching. And Eden Gardens is holding its breath.