Abhishek Sharma’s game-winning half-century in the opening Twenty20 International against New Zealand was praised by former Indian cricket player Aakash Chopra. He emphasised two crucial characteristics that set the left-handed opener apart. In Nagpur on Wednesday, January 21, India set a difficult goal of 239 for New Zealand, with Abhishek scoring a scorching 84 off 35 deliveries.
India won by 48 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after limiting the Black Caps to 190/7. Abhishek’s ability to go on the new-ball bowlers, irrespective of the line or length they bowled, was particularly commended by Chopra.
“He plays so brilliantly. With ease, he hits sixes. He is quite unique for two reasons. One is where a bowler will use the new ball when bowling. He searches for swing, keeps a slip, and keeps six players off the side. Chopra stated on his YouTube channel that he would only bowl outside the off-stump on the fourth or sixth stump.
“He will bowl either full or short, but just on that side. Abhishek either smacks straight sixes or goes over cover. The bowler then attempts to bowl on the body by going around the stumps. In any event, he is a good player on that side. You have to doff your hat because he can play so brilliantly on the off side all the time and hit such amazing sixes,” he continued.
Abhishek can also clear the boundary against spin without leaving his crease, according to Chopra.
The former cricket player who is now a broadcaster concurred with Sunil Gavaskar’s conclusion that India’s devastating opener is more than simply an X-factor. After Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan were removed, Abhishek and Suryakumar Yadav produced a vital 99-run partnership for the third wicket.
“Spin comes next. What is a spinner going to do? In order to avoid being smacked for sixes off the back foot, a spinner tries to bowl full. Abhishek Sharma once again knocks consecutive sixes while standing in his position, despite his best efforts to keep the ball inside the three stumps to avoid being swept too much, according to Chopra.
“He then strikes the side of his leg if you approach him a little too closely. He is really amazing. So let’s give him a round of applause. He is the man if he stays in this form. Sunny Ji responded that he is X, Y, Z, and all factors when we referred to him as the X-factor. Yes, sir, I will respond. He’s a player like that,” he continued.
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