Indian opener Abhishek Sharma’s form has been unstoppable in the shortest format of the game. His Guwahati innings has left Indian spectators speechless. Former RCB batter Mohammad Kaif has reserved some massive praise for the dynamic batter, drawing parallels with the legendary Chris Gayle.
India have been in winning ways in the shortest format of the game. The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 marked the end of two glorious T20I careers for India 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 Varma, rose to the occasion.
Abhishek has brought a new dynamic into the T20I side. A common situation has taken over that whenever Abhishek scores runs, India are bound to win the game, as he initiates such carnage at the start of the innings. And in doing this, the left-handed opening batter has shown some stunning consistency.
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Mohammad Kaif gives Abhishek Sharma the upper hand over Chris Gayle
Former RCB batter Mohammad Kaif has heaped praises on Abhishek Sharma after he was left spellbound by the 20-ball 68-run innings from the Indian opener. Though such innings have been marked on previous occasions as well, the consistency of his delivery for India has added to the beauty of the innings.
“Usually, players who play like him are not consistent. I’ve seen many big-name players like this. Chris Gayle, who used to play in a similar way, always went for the big shots,” remarked Kaif.
The former RCBian cited the example of legendary batter Chris Gayle and compared him with Abhishek Sharma’s intent and mentality. He claimed that even the brutal Gayle used to take a handful of deliveries to get going, but Abhishek goes as if he comes in set from the dressing room.
“But even Chris Gayle played smart cricket. Gayle also used to play maiden overs. Gayle would play the first over carefully, 6-7-8 balls on the Bangalore pitch, where there was some early help for the bowlers; he used to play carefully and then accelerate.
“Abhishek Sharma has surpassed that. He doesn’t need to settle his eyes; he attacks straight away. So you can’t praise him enough,” Kaif continued on his YouTube channel.
Kaif reserves special praise for Abhishek’s consistency
The former Indian batter has reserved special praise for the Indian left-hander not only for his aggressive and intentful shotmaking, but also for the remarkable consistency he has shown while batting for India.
“The point is, batters like this are usually inconsistent. One inning they’ll perform, the next three they’ll struggle, then one good comeback, then another poor run,” he noted.
Kaif pointed out that, unlike several batters like him who play with an easy bat flow and attempt to score quick runs at the top, he is far more composed and delivers under all circumstances.
“But look at Abhishek Sharma’s style. He proves himself in every match. Even if he faces just 12-14 balls, he scores 60-70 runs. That alone makes him the match-winner for the team. Even if other players fail, if Abhishek Sharma is on, India is almost certain to win,” he added.
Mohammad Kaif is in awe of Abhishek Sharma’s confident approach
Praising the southpaw, the former batter further claimed that despite a strike rate of 200, 300 at times, Abhishek is consistent, though players trying to hit a boundary every ball are often not that consistent.
“But Abhishek Sharma is doing it. I am amazed; I am stunned at how he is able to do this repeatedly,” Kaif remarked. He also prayed for the well-being of the cricketer and cited his importance for India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
Kaif shed light on the ease with which Abhishek takes down bowlers. He has all the shots under his belt, as he often plays the leg-spinners and off-spinners for sixes and gets going on the first ball against pacers. He was not even subjected to pressure when he first played against Pakistan, which many players often are.
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