NDTV Sports Desk - As the Indian T20I team gears up for the five-match series against South Africa, commencing on Tuesday, as part of their preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has issued a warning regarding young batting sensation Abhishek Sharma. Pathan believes that Sharma's aggressive batting style, while successful, could become predictable, especially on a global stage like the World Cup.
Sharma has had an impressive run, becoming one of India's strongest T20 gains this year with his explosive starts. However, Pathan suggests that Sharma's tendency to charge down the track early in his innings has become a recognizable pattern that opposition teams will look to exploit.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan acknowledged Sharma's impact but cautioned that teams in the World Cup will come prepared with detailed plans to counter him. He advised Sharma to be more selective in his aggression, suggesting that constant attempts to step out and attack every ball could be easily countered by strategic bowling. "If Abhishek continues to step out, then teams will begin to work him out. He should pick and choose," Pathan stated.
Pathan highlighted the importance of calculated aggression over "bling attacking," emphasizing that Sharma needs to add more layers to his game. This includes staying deep in the crease at times, utilizing different angles, and even adopting a more cautious approach initially. He stressed that intent alone is not enough at the international level and that Sharma needs a rationale behind his aggressive approach.
To illustrate his point, Pathan referenced Sharma's struggles against Australian pacer Nathan Ellis in a rain-affected T20I in Brisbane. Ellis, with his clever changes of pace and length, managed to trouble Sharma. Pathan anticipates that other teams will employ similar tactics, using bowlers with variations in the powerplay to challenge Sharma.
Pathan suggested that the team management and Sharma's coach, Yuvraj Singh, should focus on these aspects. He believes Sharma needs to be aware of which bowlers he can step out against and work on his bat flow to handle slower deliveries and variations in pace.
Despite the warning, Pathan acknowledged Sharma's outstanding performance in the recent series, where he scored 163 runs and was named Player of the Series. He emphasized that Sharma should continue to play high-risk cricket but with a strategic approach and proper planning.
As India prepares for the T20 series against South Africa, it remains to be seen how Abhishek Sharma will adapt his game and counter the strategies devised by opposition teams. The series will provide a valuable opportunity for Sharma to test his skills and develop the necessary adjustments to succeed on the global stage.
