New Delhi: Former India cricketer and ex chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has delivered a blunt assessment of India’s T20 batting order, stating that Abhishek Sharma currently stands a level above the rest of the lineup. His remarks came after Abhishek’s explosive performance in the first T20 International against New Zealand, where the young opener once again underlined his growing stature in world cricket.
Abhishek, the world’s top-ranked T20I batter, produced a breathtaking knock of 84 off just 35 balls to set up India’s commanding win. Opening the innings, he dominated the New Zealand bowling attack from the outset, combining power with composure and intelligent shot selection. His innings included eight towering sixes and five boundaries, allowing India to surge ahead early and dictate the tempo of the match.
Srikkanth emphasised the importance of strong starts in the shortest format and credited Abhishek for mastering that role. He pointed out that the left-hander’s ability to use his height and reach effectively, without resorting to reckless hitting, sets him apart. According to him, Abhishek does not rely on forcing shots from a static position and instead plays calculated, high-percentage cricket.
The former selector also highlighted a telling pattern in Abhishek’s performances, noting that whenever the opener crosses the fifty-run mark, India almost invariably posts a total in excess of 200. In his view, Abhishek’s consistency at the top removes pressure from the middle order and significantly boosts the team’s chances of victory.
By the time Abhishek was dismissed in the 12th over, India had already raced to 149, laying the foundation for a massive total. The momentum was sustained by aggressive finishing from Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh, who added quick runs in the final overs to propel India to 238 for seven.
While singling out Abhishek for special praise, Srikkanth also acknowledged the overall depth of India’s T20 batting. He noted that the team now has multiple players capable of accelerating at different stages of the innings, making India a formidable force in the format.
India eventually sealed a comprehensive 48-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with Abhishek Sharma’s innings standing out as the decisive factor.
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