Canberra, Australia – As the highly anticipated five-match T20I series between India and Australia kicks off, all eyes are set on the exciting battle between India's in-form opener, Abhishek Sharma, and Australia's pace spearhead, Josh Hazlewood. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has made a bold prediction, suggesting that Sharma's dominance could significantly impact Hazlewood's performance.
Nayar emphasized Sharma's aggressive batting style, noting his ability to hit boundaries from the very first ball. According to Nayar, if Sharma manages to "instill fear in the powerplay," it could ease the pressure on his batting partner and put the opposition on the back foot. He believes that if Sharma bats through the first six overs, India could score between 60 to 80 runs, giving them a significant advantage.
Sharma's recent form has been exceptional, particularly in the Asia Cup 2025, where he was the leading run-scorer. His ability to strike the ball cleanly and score at a rapid pace makes him a dangerous opponent for any bowler. Nayar believes that this series presents a significant opportunity for Sharma to "make a name for himself in Australia".
However, facing Hazlewood in Australian conditions will be a stern test for the young Indian opener. Hazlewood is known for his good rhythm and ability to extract extra bounce from the pitch, making him a formidable opponent. Nayar acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in Sharma's experience from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international tours, which should hold him in good stead.
Hazlewood is expected to play only the initial matches of the T20I series before returning to Sheffield Shield cricket. This limited window presents Sharma with a crucial opportunity to make an impact against one of the world's best new-ball bowlers.
India enters the T20I series on a high, having recently won the Asia Cup 2025. The team is currently ranked first in the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian squad boasts a formidable lineup, including Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh. Sharma is also the leading run scorer in 2025 for India.
Australia, however, will be without the services of Adam Zampa due to personal reasons. Mitchell Marsh will captain the team. Despite missing Zampa, Australia's pace attack is well-equipped to challenge India's top order in their home conditions.
According to match predictions, India are favorites to win the opening game. India has dominated recent T20I encounters against Australia, winning four of the last five matches. However, Australia's strong form in T20Is, including recent series wins against South Africa and New Zealand, suggests that they will be a tough opponent.
The series promises to be an exciting contest between two of the top T20I teams in the world. The performance of Abhishek Sharma against Josh Hazlewood could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the series.
