Batting legend Brian Lara recently shared his thoughts on Abhishek Sharma, who has quickly become one of the most feared openers in T20 cricket. Abhishek’s performances in the Asia Cup were remarkable, as he scored 314 runs in seven matches, including three half-centuries and a highest score of 75.
He maintained an average of 44.85 with a strike rate of 200.00, cementing his position as the world’s number one T20I batter. Within just a year of making his international debut, Abhishek has emerged as a dominant force against the new ball in the shortest format of the game.
Lara’s First Impressions and Mentorship
Lara fondly recalled his initial encounters with Abhishek during their time at Sunrisers Hyderabad amidst the COVID-19 period. The Windies great highlighted the young batter’s exceptional talent, praising his bat speed, timing, and the influence of Yuvraj Singh on his technique. Lara’s admiration reflects both Abhishek’s natural talent and his ability to adapt and learn from experienced cricketers.
He said :
“Well, I know Abhishek from SRH. I was there during the COVID times, maybe three or four years ago. And he’s an amazing young player. They had a lot of great young players in that squad that I was with, not just Abhishek. But I think he’s something very special. I think Yuvraj Singh had a big influence on him. His bat speed, the way he hits the ball, the way he hits through the ball.”
Ambition Beyond T20S
Despite his T20 success, Abhishek Sharma is determined to make a mark in Test cricket, showcasing his ambition and drive for continuous improvement. Lara expressed admiration for the youngster’s mindset and commitment to expanding his game. This determination to excel across formats highlights Abhishek’s maturity and his aspiration to contribute to Indian cricket at every level.
He further said :
“What’s an amazing thing, you know, he would give me a call and even though with the success that he’s having in T20 cricket, and maybe even in 50 over cricket, he still wants to find a way to get into the test team, which is great for someone like that, to think, you know, that big is very special. So it’s not a soft spot. I think it’s someone whom I’ve grown very fond of, his cricket. And it’s great to see that he’s improved and gone to a different level.”
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