(IANS Photo)
Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim has endorsed the dynamic opener Abhishek Sharma to lead India’s batting in their first T20I against Zimbabwe, scheduled for June 6 in Harare.
Abhishek Sharma showcased his prowess during a stellar IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad just before the T20 World Cup 2024. He amassed 484 runs in 16 matches at an average of 32.26 and an impressive strike rate of 204.21. His fearless batting and capability to score quickly at the top order made a significant impact, earning him recognition in the Indian team setup.
Saba Karim supports Abhishek Sharma for the opening position.
In an interview with Sony Sports, Saba Karim asserted that Abhishek Sharma is ideally suited to open the innings for India. Highlighting Abhishek’s prowess with the bat, Karim also noted his value as a capable spin bowler, suggesting he could be the pivotal all-rounder India needs.
“I think he’s not only so prolific with the bat, but I think he’s a handy left-arm spin bowler. So he brings to the table that all-rounder the slot also, which is so good for him. And if he has to get an opportunity, then I think he ideally is suited to open the innings and then roll his arm over for maybe one or two overs, which will be so crucial for India,” Saba Karim said.
Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head emerged as a formidable opening pair for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the recent IPL season, consistently providing strong starts for their team. Their aggressive batting unsettled opposition bowlers and set the tone in many matches.
In addition to his explosive batting performances, Abhishek Sharma also showcased his bowling prowess during IPL 2024. He claimed 2 crucial wickets against Rajasthan Royals, dismissing Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer on a spin-friendly pitch, demonstrating his versatility with the ball as well.
Karim further emphasized that while the team management will ultimately determine his role, Abhishek Sharma has consistently performed best when opening the innings, whether in IPL or the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
“About whether he will get that role or not, I think that’s the way the team management thinks and I’m sure the selectors are also looking at him. If he has to play, as I said, I think the opening slot is perfect for him because he has excelled and he has grown as a player. There’s more maturity in him,” Karim mentioned.
“He did well for Sunrisers. Even before that, he led Punjab in the Mushtaq Ali T20 which they won last season. So one can see those qualities in Abhishek Sharma,” the former India wicketkeeper added.
Abhishek Sharma dominated the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023 as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, amassing 485 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of 48.50 and a phenomenal strike rate of 192.46. The 23-year-old was instrumental in Punjab’s championship victory, recording two centuries and three half-centuries along the way.
