Abhishek Sharma could be the next Indian white-ball star encouraged to make the switch to Test cricket, with former India batter Suresh Raina backing the explosive left-hander for the longest format. Raina believes Abhishek has the ability to expand his game beyond T20 cricket and should seriously consider building a career in red-ball cricket. The discussion comes at a time when India are closely monitoring young players who could become part of the country’s long-term Test setup.

Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already received an opportunity to gain first-class experience in the Duleep Trophy, while Abhishek has largely remained focused on white-ball cricket. His last first-class appearance came in February 2024, when he represented Punjab against Tamil Nadu in Salem.

Raina feels coaches, IPL franchises and state associations can play a crucial role in encouraging talented youngsters to develop their red-ball skills. According to the former India batter, players need to be made aware of the importance of Test cricket while they are still developing their careers.

WATCH – Bhuvneshwar Kumar India Comeback Rumours Grow After IPL and UPT20 Heroics

Speaking on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel, Suresh Raina said: “I feel Abhishek Sharma should play Test cricket. Vaibhav is very young. Does he want to play? What do his coaches think? These are questions. I feel he should play.” Raina further stressed that the responsibility does not rest solely with the players. “Are the IPL owners and associations also thinking of this and putting Test cricket in players’ minds? Coaches also have a role here.”

Abhishek has established himself as one of India’s most destructive T20 batters and has also developed into a useful left-arm spinner. His aggressive approach at the top of the order makes him an intriguing long-term option. However, a transition to Test cricket would require him to return to regular first-class cricket and adapt his game to the demands of the longer format.

The Punjab all-rounder has played 24 first-class matches, scoring 1,071 runs in 37 innings at an average of 30.60. His record includes one century and five fifties, with a highest score of 100. His first-class strike rate of 70.46, along with 131 fours and 30 sixes, highlights the attacking intent that has become a major part of his white-ball game.

ALSO READ: “We have to wait and see if he makes the ODI squad” – Abhinav Mukund reviews BCCI meeting 

Abhishek has also contributed with the ball, taking 20 wickets in 27 first-class innings. He has bowled 1,674 deliveries at an average of 49.10, with best figures of 4/136 and an economy rate of 3.51. Raina brings considerable red-ball experience to the discussion. He played 109 first-class matches and scored 6,871 runs at an average of 42.15, including 14 centuries and 45 fifties.

For India, he featured in 18 Tests, scoring 768 runs at 26.48, with one century and seven fifties. With Raina backing Abhishek Sharma for Test cricket, a return to regular first-class cricket could be the logical next step. Consistent appearances for Punjab would allow the all-rounder to sharpen his red-ball skills before any serious discussion about an India Test call-up.