Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan showered praise on Abhishek Sharma after the first T20I between India and England was abandoned due to rain. Sharma scored a blistering knock of 59 runs off just 24 balls with the help of six fours and four sixes and played a key role in helping India post 189 runs on the board.
The left-hander was able to hit the ground running and scored his runs at a whirlwind strike rate of 245.83. Pathan praised Abhishek’s bat flow after his impressive knock against Harry Brook’s team.
“Even before the match had started, we were saying that his approach should not change because he has the ability to play aggressively. The control he has over the bat, the way he manoeuvres it, not everyone has this ability. However, Abhishek Sharma has it,” Pathan said on JioStar.
Pathan said Sharma should be aware of the opposition bowler’s variations against him as he has all the shots in his arsenal.
“In the same over, he played straight, turned the bat and hit square of the wicket, and then played the pull shot very easily. He should only know which bowler is coming with which variation against him. If he knows that, the conditions won’t matter to him, because then he can wait,” Pathan observed.
On the other hand, former Indian wicket-keeper bat Saba Karim said Abhishek’s job is to score runs quickly at the top of the order.
“Such knocks are expected from him. If you expect Abhishek to adapt to the conditions and play shots after taking a little time, this place is not made for him. His job is to score runs at a high strike rate, which has always been India’s vision. A few failures might come in between, but you shouldn’t change your template to score runs,” he said.
Karim praised Abhishek for using his feet against the fast bowlers and playing all around the ground.
“The way he made room against the pace bowlers, moved towards the leg side against short balls, played inside-out shots and the upper cut, and used his feet brilliantly against the spinners, he did the job expected from him perfectly. This is what makes him different,” Saba observed.
The second T20I between India and England will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday.
