Modern T20 ERA has revolutionized batting, the opener has set a tone for its teams via fearless stroke play. Power-hitlers Jose ButlerTravis HeadAnd David warner Fans have entertained with a blazing start, while emerging stars like Yashsvi Jaiswal And Phil Salt Fresh energy is brought in the format. In India’s setup, young names like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj GikwadIt has moved forward to ensure that the team dominates the smallest format.
The role of a inaugural batsman has never been much demanding-voting with continuity by facing a new ball against the level fast bowlers. The strike rate, with becoming a major marker of success, is judged by their ability to start electrical-in-lightning. Amidst such competition, it is not an easy task to identify the single best modern day opener. Still, former South Africa captain AB de VilliersOne of the best entertainers has ever seen the game, offering a clear answer.
AB de Villiers chooses the best opening batsman of modern-day cricket
De Villiers, widely considered as “Mr. 360” for his innovative batting, recently praised India Abhishek SharmaSpeaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers just declared young left -arm best batsman as the best opening batsman in T20 cricket.
“The Indian team is dominating the Asia Cup. It is attractive to see them so prominent in this format, and it is not a great surprise considering the quality of IPL. The first name that comes to my mind is Abhishek Sharma, who is probably the best open batsman in T20 cricket in the world,” De Villiers said.
South African legend highlighted Abhishek’s extraordinary strike rate, which touched 197 in his last 20 innings, and insisted on how his presence at the crease often moves towards Indian victory.
“When he comes out, India usually wins. He has the highest strike rate, I think around 190, for any batsman who has faced more than 250 balls. Absolutely amazing look,” De Villiers said.
For de Villiers, who shared the dressing room with some greatest cricketers, Abhishek’s continuity and ability to dominate the bowlers stands out in modern-day cricket. His assessment comes as a major support for the youth, which has constantly developed in a reliable match-winner for India.
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Sijling performance in Asia Cup 2025
De Villiers’s comments came just after India’s sensational victory in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan in Dubai. In Blue, men won the title with a five -wicket win, outlining their supremacy in white ball cricket.
While Abhishek has been in a red-warm form throughout the tournament, the final was Tilak VermaWho played a match-defying innings. Chasing a competitive target, Tilak anchored the innings with a luxurious 69, guiding India to win in a high pressure struggle.
Although Abhishek could not make a major impact at the summit, his continuity in the competition was unmatched. He finished the shocking strike rate of 200 in 7 matches with 314 runs as the lead run-scorer of the tournament. His extraordinary run earned him to the tournament award player, making India’s Asia Cup win a story of collective talent led by his two bright young stars.
See also: Abhishek Sharma performs ‘car driving’ after winning the tournament player in Asia Cup 2025
