Former India player Saba Karim has backed Abhishek Sharma to fulfil the all-rounder’s role in the upcoming series against Zimbabwe where they will play five T20I matches. India will play against Zimbabwe in the first T20I on Saturday, July 6 at Harare Sports Club, Harare as well. For the tour, many players have earned their maiden India call-up and 23-year-old Abhishek Sharma is one of them as well after having a steller IPL 2024, scoring a mammoth 484 runs from 16 innings at an average of 32.26 and a stunning strike rate of 204.21.

Speaking about Abhishek ahead of the series, Saba Karim said during a press interaction for Sony Sports, “I think he’s not only so prolific with the bat, but I think he’s a handy left arm spin bowler. So he brings to the table that all-rounder the slot also, which is so good for him. And if he has to get an opportunity, then I think his ideal is suited to open the innings and then roll his arm over for maybe one or two overs, which will be so crucial for India.”

However, Abhishek Sharma also picked up two wickets in the IPL bowling his left-arm spin during qualifier 2 against RR getting the prized scalps of Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer as well. And, Saba Karim added that the youngster should only be made to open the innings as he has done well and grown as a player in that role.

“About whether he will get that role or not, I think that’s the way the team management and I’m sure the selectors are also looking at him. If he has to play, as I said, I think it the opening slot is perfect for him because he has excelled and he has grown as a player. There’s more maturity in him. He did well for Sunrisers. Even before that he led Punjab in the Mushtaq Ali T20 which which they won last season. So one can see those qualities in Abhishek Sharma,” he concluded.