Indian opener Abhishek Sharma’s form has been excellent in the shortest format of the game. His Guwahati innings left the Indian audience speechless. Former RCB batsman Mohammad Kaif has praised this dynamic batsman a lot while comparing him with the legendary Chris Gayle.
India are on their way to victory in the shortest format of the game. Two illustrious T20I careers came to an end for India at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the format. The legacy had to be carried forward and two gems of Indian cricket, Abhishek Sharma and Tilka Verma rose to the occasion.
Abhishek has brought a new dynamism to the T-20 team. It has become a common situation that whenever Abhishek scores runs, India are sure to win the game because he starts such carnage early in the innings. And in doing so, the left-handed opening batsman has shown some astonishing consistency.
Mohammad Kaif gives Abhishek Sharma edge over Chris Gayle
Former RCB batsman Mohammad Kaif has praised Abhishek Sharma after being mesmerized by the Indian opener’s innings of 68 runs in 20 balls. Although such innings have been seen on many occasions before, but the consistency of his bowling for India has added to the beauty of the innings.
Kaif commented, “Generally, players who play like him are not consistent. I have seen many big-name players like this. Chris Gayle, who played like that, would always go for the big shots.”
The former RCB player gave the example of great batsman Chris Gayle and compared him with the intentions and mentality of Abhishek Sharma. He claimed that even the ruthless Gayle used to take a handful of balls to get ahead, but Abhishek goes as if he has come into the set from the dressing room.
“But Chris Gayle also played smart cricket. Gayle also used to play maiden overs. On the Bengaluru pitch, where the bowlers got early help, Gayle used to play the first over cautiously, 6-7-8 balls; he played cautiously and then accelerated.”
Kaif further said on his YouTube channel, “Abhishek Sharma has gone ahead of him. He doesn’t need to fix his eyes; he attacks straight away. So you can’t praise him enough.”
Kaif especially praised Abhishek’s consistency
The former Indian batsman has given special praise to the Indian left-hander, not only for his aggressive and intentional shotmaking but also for the remarkable consistency he has shown while batting for India.
He said, “The issue is that such batsmen are usually inconsistent. They will do well in one innings, struggle in the next three innings, then come back well, then do poorly in another innings.”
Kaif pointed out that, unlike many batsmen like him, who play with an easy bat and try to score fast runs at the top, he is much more calm and performs well in all conditions.
He said, “But look at the style of Abhishek Sharma. He proves himself in every match. Even though he faces just 12-14 balls, he scores 60-70 runs. That is what makes him a match-winner for the team. Even if other players fail, if Abhishek Sharma is there, India’s victory is almost certain.”
Mohammad Kaif surprised by Abhishek Sharma’s confident approach
Praising the southpaw, the former batsman further claimed that despite strike rates of 200, 300 at times, Abhishek remains consistent, although players who try to hit a four on every ball are often not that consistent.
Kaif commented, “But Abhishek Sharma is doing it. I’m amazed; I’m shocked at how he is able to do it again and again.” He also prayed for the cricketer’s well-being and cited his importance for India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
Kaif highlighted the ease with which Abhishek takes down bowlers. He has all the shots, as he often plays leg spinners and off spinners for sixes and is aggressive on the first ball against fast bowlers. When he played against Pakistan for the first time, there was no pressure on him, as many players often do.
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