Former India head coach Ravi Shastri backed star India opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. He also believes that Abhishek will be important for Team India in their title defense at the upcoming ICC event next month as well.

Speaking at an event between the ICC and Marriott Bonvoy, he said (via News 18): “Abhishek, without a shadow of a doubt. (He’s the) No. 1 T20 batsman in the world (and is) in a rich vein of form. Last evening (on Wednesday), he took the game away from New Zealand. You’ve got to watch out for him because his confidence level is high. He’ll be backed by the home crowd, and if he takes off, it means India take off.”

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The veteran also opined on Abhishek Sharma’s 150 off 54 balls against England 12 months ago. Calling it one of the best T20 innings, he said: “Remember when Abhishek got that 150 (135 off 54 balls; 7 fours, 13 sixes) against England at the Wankhede (Stadium) last year… We interviewed him after the game. I just put my hand on his shoulder, and I said, ‘Young man, that is the best T20 innings I’ve ever seen in international cricket.’ That kid is a proper star. When you know he’s batting, you turn the TV on.”