Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan didn’t mince his words while assessing Abhishek Sharma’s performance in the second T20I against Australia in Melbourne, criticising the young opener for his lack of “game awareness.” While Abhishek was India’s lone bright spot with a quickfire 68 off 37 balls, Pathan felt that the left-hander lost momentum after the powerplay and failed to adjust his approach when the situation demanded greater control.
India managed only 125 runs on a lively MCG pitch that offered pace and bounce. Josh Hazlewood was the chief destroyer, taking 3 for 13 in four overs and rattling India’s top order within the first eight overs. Abhishek, however, looked in sublime touch early on — racing to 29 off 11 balls during the powerplay when wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
“Abhishek Sharma once again showed that while everyone else seemed to be batting on one pitch, he was batting on another,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube show. “It was a brilliant half-century, but the innings had two phases. During the power play, he was fluent and fearless. After that, he needed to continue the same intent and awareness, which he didn’t.”
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India’s decision to promote Harshit Rana at No. 7 with the score at 49/5 also drew attention. Rana played a cautious 35 off 33 balls, while Shivam Dube, the designated finisher, came in later. Pathan defended Rana’s knock, saying the youngster played his part by stabilising the innings, but insisted that Abhishek should have taken more strikes during that phase.
“Harshit did his job — he ensured India didn’t lose another wicket,” Irfan Pathan explained. “But what was Abhishek’s role? Out of 47 balls during their partnership, he faced only 14. That’s where he needed to take charge. He’s India’s No. 1 T20 batter right now, but he must develop better game awareness.”
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Responding to the criticism after the match, Abhishek explained that the team had to alter its high-intent strategy based on the match situation. “Our plan was to dominate early, but their bowlers executed perfectly,” he said. “When wickets fall around you, no matter who you are, you have to play for the team.”
Despite India’s 40-ball defeat, Abhishek’s knock remained the highlight — a display of natural flair, yet one that left experts like Pathan calling for more maturity and adaptability from the rising T20 star.
