Abhishek Sharma has been in exceptional form, winning consecutive Player of the Series awards in his recent international assignments for India. The left-handed opener claimed the honour during the 2025 Asia Cup and again in the series against Australia, establishing himself as the number one ranked batter in T20Is. However, former cricketer Irfan Pathan has raised concerns about the young opener's high-risk batting approach. Pathan believes Abhishek relies heavily on his front foot during the powerplay and plays overly aggressive cricket that could be exploited by opposition teams in major tournaments. He suggested that Abhishek should work closely with his mentor, legendary India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, to refine his technique and temperament. Pathan emphasized the importance of better planning and shot selection, particularly against bowlers who use variations, to ensure longevity in Abhishek's international career.
Concerns Over Aggressive Approach and Shot Selection
Irfan Pathan acknowledged Abhishek's fearless batting style but cautioned that his aggressive mindset could become a weakness in well-prepared tournaments like World Cups. The 40-year-old former cricketer pointed out that Abhishek frequently steps out to bowlers during the powerplay, a pattern that opponents will soon identify and counter. Pathan stressed that while high-risk cricket brings high rewards, it must be accompanied by rational thinking and strategic planning. He specifically mentioned that bowlers like Nathan Ellis troubled Abhishek with variations, suggesting that international bowlers will increasingly use slower deliveries and varied pace in the powerplay. Pathan advised that Abhishek must improve his bat flow and learn to handle balls that rise to head height, issues observed during the Australia series.
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