Abhishek Sharma’s explosive rise as India’s new T20 batting sensation has already attracted global attention, and now Australian captain Mitchell Marsh has also acknowledged his impact ahead of the five-match T20I series starting on October 29 in Canberra.
The young Indian opening batsman, fresh from a phenomenal Asia Cup 2025 campaign where he scored 314 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 200, will be hoping to continue his fine form in the upcoming T20I series in Australia.
Abhishek is known for his fearless stroke play and ability to dominate from the first over and his aggressive starts played a vital role in India’s Asia Cup 2025 victory. The 25-year-old opening batsman has so far scored 849 runs in just 24 T20Is at an impressive strike rate of 196.07.
Mitchell Marsh admits Abhishek Sharma is a big threat to Australia
Australia, who pride themselves on their pace and disciplined bowling attack, are now preparing to weather the coming storm and Mitchell Marsh admitted that Abhishek’s tremendous form poses a serious threat, especially given his ability to take on the fast bowlers.
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The Australians have already experienced how devastating the left-handed batsman can be, especially from his exploits in the IPL, where he consistently demolished their premier bowlers. Now, facing Abhishek on his home ground, Marsh admitted that he knows the stakes are high.
Mitchell Marsh said in the pre-match press conference, “He obviously sets the tone for them. He has been incredible for Sunrisers (Hyderabad) over the last short period of time. He will provide us with a good challenge… I think you want to challenge against the best players in the world. We know he is one of them.”
Mitchell Marsh says Australia are in form at the right time ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Meanwhile, the Australian captain refused to comment on India’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but insisted that his team is in top form at the right time. With only eight matches left before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the Australian team is focused, confident and determined to improve their game in the high-voltage T20I series against India.
Marsh further explained, “I’m not really here to comment much on the Indian side’s preparation for the World Cup, but I know we’ve still got eight matches to play. And we’ve been really building well as a team with the way we want to play and go about it. So, yes, we’re feeling pretty good at the moment. But we know it’s going to be a big series against India.”
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Mitchell Marsh admits IPL experience doesn’t guarantee advantage against India
Interestingly, many Australian players including Marsh are no strangers to Indian players. Having played in the IPL for years, they know each other’s strengths, weaknesses and intensity. Yet Marsh made it clear that this familiarity doesn’t make things any easier.
“Not necessarily (more challenging). I think there is a lot of footage these days in world cricket. Everyone watches everyone else. The key is execution under pressure. That’s what it all comes down to. They are a fantastic team, who we have a lot of respect for, and I think the five-match series is going to provide a lot of excitement for the fans who are coming to watch,” the Australian all-rounder said.
