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Sunrisers Hyderabad’s assistant coach J Hariesh has pointed out that Abhishek Sharma lacks the consistent discipline in bowling compared to Washington Sundar. Following Ravindra Jadeja’s retirement after India’s recent T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, there’s now an open spot for an all-rounder in India’s T20I squad. While Axar Patel appears to be the primary contender at No. 7, the team is also eyeing another spin-bowling all-rounder who can be deployed when conditions favor spin.
Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar are contenders for this role, each bringing distinct strengths. Abhishek Sharma is a top-order batsman who bowls left-arm spin, while Sundar is an offspinner known for his lower-order batting contributions. Both players offer unique qualities, and the competition between them will determine who seizes the opportunity to claim the vacant spot in the Playing XI.
Sunrisers Hyderabad coach J Hariesh’s assessment of Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar.
In his role as assistant batting coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad, J Hariesh has had the opportunity to closely observe both youngsters, who ply their trade for SRH in the IPL. Speaking with The Times of India, Hariesh highlighted that in his observation, Washington Sundar demonstrates greater consistency compared to Abhishek Sharma.
“Washi (Washington Sundar) is a bowler who is very consistent in his line and length. Abhishek has quite a few variations. He has the arm ball and one that he bowls through the seam with the new ball, which is very deceptive. But he is not as consistent as Washi,” J Hariesh said to TOI.
“That is true,” Hariesh replied when asked if both Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar are playing for the same spot in the team. “Abhishek (Sharma) is an opening batter and is more destructive than Washi in T20s. His bat flow is superb. Abhishek is a great asset against the spinners as well as the new ball bowlers,” Hariesh added.
Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar in IPL 2024.
During IPL 2024, while Abhishek Sharma featured in every match for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Washington Sundar played only two matches, where he managed to take one wicket. Abhishek Sharma had a standout season, amassing 484 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 32.26 and a striking strike rate of 204.21. His aggressive approach at the top order has positioned him as a promising prospect for India’s future.
Both players were part of India’s squad for the Zimbabwe tour. Abhishek Sharma made a significant impact, scoring 124 runs in five matches with a notable strike rate of 174.64, including a blistering century off just 46 balls in his second match. As a left-arm spinner, he also contributed with two wickets in the series.
In contrast, Washington Sundar played a pivotal role with the ball, picking up 8 wickets in five matches at an outstanding average of 11.62 and an economical economy rate of 5.16. His performance earned him the accolade of Player of the Series and highlighted his effectiveness despite limited opportunities with the bat.
