In the high-octane world of T20 cricket, where every ball can change the narrative of a match, the emergence of new talents is always a headline maker.
Following the IND vs ENG 5th T20I, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra lauded Abhishek Sharma’s performance, igniting a debate on who should be India’s go-to opener in this format.
Chopra’s analysis, shared on his YouTube channel, not only celebrated Sharma’s whirlwind knock but also put him ahead of another promising talent, Yashasvi Jaiswal, in the race for the opening slot.
Abhishek Sharma’s innings against England was nothing short of spectacular.
He slammed the second-fastest century by an Indian in T20Is, a feat that only Rohit Sharma, the captain of India’s ODI team, had bettered.
This performance was particularly noteworthy because it came in a match where Sharma not only showcased his power but also his ability to pace an innings under pressure.
Chopra was effusive in his praise, drawing parallels between Abhishek Sharma Sharma and the legendary Rohit Sharma, noting,
“That was Rohit Sharma, and Rohit Sharma has the record of the fastest T20I century (by an Indian) and our brother (Abhishek) has the second-fastest. He is following in Rohit’s footsteps. If you are a Sharma and you open for Team India, and you strike the ball well, your future is very bright. It seems like that and we saw the proof of that here.”
The context of this debate becomes even more intriguing when considering the trajectories of both players.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite being picked for the T20 World Cup, found himself warming the bench throughout the tournament.
This scenario has sparked discussions around the selection criteria and the future of opening slots in the Indian T20 team.
Chopra’s preference for Sharma over Jaiswal isn’t just based on a single match but on a broader analysis of their playing styles and adaptability to the demands of modern T20 cricket.
Chopra pointed out the selectors’ commitment to Sharma, emphasizing the Punjab opener’s aggressive approach which aligns with the current philosophy of Indian T20 cricket.
“They (selectors) said they would remain with Abhishek, he plays high-risk cricket, but this is what they want,” Chopra noted.
He further elaborated on Sharma’s evolution as a player, particularly against short-pitched deliveries, which had previously been a point of weakness.
“He was getting stuck on bouncers earlier but that’s no longer the case. If you bowl at 150 kph, he hits at 175 kph. He makes room, opens his arms, and hits on the off-side. Some shots were breathtaking,”
He added, indicating Sharma’s growth in dealing with pace and his ability to counter-attack even the fastest bowlers.
The comparison between Sharma and Jaiswal goes beyond mere statistics; it delves into their approach to the game.
While Jaiswal has shown tremendous potential and has been a consistent performer in domestic circuits and IPL, his international exposure has been limited compared to Sharma’s recent exploits.
Chopra’s argument for Sharma seems to hinge on his match-winning capabilities, his flair for the big stage, and his aggressive opening style which sets the tone for the innings.
In T20 cricket, where the powerplay overs can define the game’s direction, having an opener who can both punish bowlers and absorb pressure is invaluable.
Moreover, Chopra’s assessment isn’t just about raw power or strike rates but also about mental toughness and the ability to adapt.
Sharma’s recent performances suggest a player who not only possesses the technical skills but also the mindset to thrive under pressure.
His ability to hit at speeds higher than the ball is bowled at him is indicative of an aggressive yet calculated approach, a trait that modern T20 teams crave at the top of the order.
While Jaiswal is undeniably a player with immense potential and has a bright future, Chopra’s endorsement of Abhishek Sharma as the better T20 opener for India at this juncture is rooted in Sharma’s current form, his evolution as a cricketer, and his alignment with the aggressive brand of cricket India is looking to play.
As the cricketing world looks forward to more T20 action, the debate over who should open for India will continue, but for now, Abhishek Sharma has made a compelling case for himself, validated by one of India’s astute cricket analysts, Aakash Chopra.
