India’s rising T20 star, Abhishek Sharma, has garnered significant attention for his exceptional performance in recent matches. Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has emphasized Sharma’s crucial role as India prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup, stating, “If he takes off, India take off.”
Impressive Performance Against New Zealand
During the first T20I against New Zealand held in Nagpur, Sharma scored an impressive 84 runs from just 35 balls. His remarkable innings included eight sixes and led India to a 48-run victory. Shastri praised the left-handed batsman, claiming he is in stellar form and poised to be a significant player in the T20 World Cup starting on February 7, 2024.
Shastri’s High Expectations
At a recent ICC promotional event, Shastri confidently named Sharma as the “No. 1 T20 batsman in the world,” highlighting the importance of his contributions to the team. Shastri noted, “His confidence level is high. He’ll be backed by the home crowd.”
Kevin Pietersen’s Endorsement
Alongside Shastri, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen also expressed his admiration for Sharma. Pietersen remarked, “That kid is a proper star,” and recalled a previous standout performance where Sharma scored 135 off 54 balls against England at Wankhede Stadium last year. He mentioned that upon seeing Sharma bat, fans should be eager to watch him play.
A Look at Future Prospects
Pietersen also highlighted South African batsman Dewald Brevis as another player to watch. He discussed Brevis’s recent performances in the SA20 league, indicating that both young players could significantly impact the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
As the T20 World Cup approaches, both Ravi Shastri and Kevin Pietersen’s endorsements of Abhishek Sharma set high expectations. With his recent form and the support of the crowd, Sharma is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring his performance as the tournament unfolds.
