(BCCI Credit)
Dinesh Karthik, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batter and a legendary figure for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has identified 23-year-old Abhishek Sharma as a burgeoning superstar in Indian cricket. Karthik, who retired from cricket post IPL 2024, was particularly impressed by Sharma’s blazing innings of 100 runs off just 47 balls during his second T20I against Zimbabwe on July 7. He praised the young cricketer from Amritsar, foreseeing a promising future for him with the Indian team.
Sharma made headlines during IPL 2024 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, amassing 484 runs at an astounding strike rate of 204.21. His aggressive batting at the top earned him a spot in the Indian squad for the recent five-match series against Zimbabwe.
After a debut duck, Sharma bounced back emphatically in the second match in Harare, smashing a six off his first ball and proceeding to register the fastest century (in just two innings) for India in T20Is. His century came off 47 balls, laced with seven fours and eight sixes, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential on the international stage.
During a Cricbuzz show, when Karthik was asked about Sharma’s batting, he said, “I think he is a future superstar. The 100 that he got… we all know the skill that he possesses, but to come out in international cricket and do it the same way that you have done in the IPL is what sets him apart, and I really enjoyed watching that knock. Terrific player. I do think he has a very good future for Indian cricket.”
Despite his notable performances with the bat in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, Abhishek Sharma did not retain his spot in the T20I squad named for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The decision to exclude Abhishek raised eyebrows among numerous former cricketers and pundits.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will take on Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series commencing on July 27. All matches of this bilateral series will be held at the Pallekele International Stadium.
