Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has shared his thoughts on South Africa’s strategy to tackle Abhishek Sharma in the ongoing T20I series. Pathan believes the Proteas plan to bowl very close to the stumps to the left-hander, limiting his scoring opportunities. Despite being the No. 1 T20I batter and a quick starter, Abhishek hasn’t yet made a big impact in the series.
After being dismissed for 17 by Lutho Sipamla in the series opener, courtesy of a brilliant catch by Marco Jansen, Abhishek was out for the same score in the second T20I. This time, Jansen induced a nick with an outswinger in the second over.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, ‘Irfan Pathan,’ the 41-year-old noted that Abhishek struggled with his stance against Jansen, who generates extra bounce with his deliveries.
“Abhishek Sharma is no doubt the No.1 T20I batter and plays fearlessly. He had made only nine runs in the powerplay of the previous game. In this match, Abhishek had made nine runs in the first over but got out for 17 again. It felt his other leg was towards the leg stump when he got out. So, he got into an awkward position,” Pathan said.
“Marco Jansen also gets that bounce and batters do find themselves in trouble. The plan is simple in front of Abhishek Sharma – to bowl far and a stump-to-stump line to avoid giving him room. I want to see how he counters this,” he added.
Pathan Advises Abhishek Sharma To Take Time Before Going Big
Irfan Pathan suggested that Abhishek should practice against similar bowling in the nets and take his time before attempting big shots.
“Will he take some time? I don’t think that’s his style of play. Will he prepare differently? I feel he should face that type of bowling in the nets. He will either get deliveries with plenty of variations or if the new ball is swinging, it will be on a stump-to-stump line. South Africa have shown they don’t want to give him room. He could be in trouble again due to the bounce and swing,” he continued.
Abhishek remains India’s leading run-scorer in T20Is for 2025, accumulating 790 runs in 19 matches at an average of 43.88, with an impressive strike rate of 195.06.
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