Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun acknowledged that taking on aggressive batters such as Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan is a challenge opposition bowlers should actually embrace. The left-handed duo tormented New Zealand’s attack in the recently concluded home T20I series and are now strong contenders to open India’s innings in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Abhishek Sharma, currently the world’s No. 1-ranked T20I batter, has established himself as one of the most destructive players in the format. With a remarkable career strike rate of 194.74, his ability to dominate bowlers from the very first delivery has made him a nightmare for opponents to counter.
Ishan Kishan showcased his explosive form with a fifty and a century after an unexpected recall, striking at an incredible 231.18 against New Zealand and strengthening his case amid Sanju Samson’s dip in form. Arun feels bowlers must embrace the challenge of facing such batters to stand a chance of succeeding against them.
“I think it is fabulous, what these batters are doing at the top, especially Abhishek Sharma, the kind of starts he is giving India, the kind of form he is in. Somebody like Ishan Kishan, who is in great form, to be batting with him, I think they have all bases covered,” Bharat Arun told RevSportz.
“I think it is a great challenge for a bowler to be bowling to such batters, but if I were a bowler, I would say yes to bowling against them, it is a big, big challenge. There is an opportunity for me to become a hero. If a bowler is going to have this kind of a mindset, I’m sure he would do well,” he added.
Bharat Arun Credits IPL For India’s Growth Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026
Team India enjoyed a strong run-up to the T20 World Cup 2026, highlighted by their triumph in the 2025 Asia Cup and successive bilateral series victories over Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Despite five debutants in the squad, Bharat Arun feels India boast plenty of experience thanks to their years of exposure in the IPL.
“I would think that this is probably a very, very experienced Indian team. Thanks to the IPL, there is a lot of experience, in terms of batting, bowling, and also preparation. New Zealand always punch above their weight, and to prepare against a team that always does well in ICC tournaments, it is great preparation,” Bharat Arun said.
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