Former India cricketer Rahul Sharma applauded star opener Abhishek Sharma for his stunning knock in the third T20I against New Zealand. He smashed a swashbuckling hundred as India won the game and sealed the series. Rahul Sharma also recalled having witnessed Abhishek Sharma’s career from close quarters since his early days.

“I have been seeing Abhishek for the last ten years. I had heard that two players were coming from Punjab – Shubman and Abhishek. They had done well in U-14. I had played against Abhishek in a domestic game. For the first time, someone read the googly and hit me for a four over covers. He was just 14 then. I was very surprised,” he said. (via ‘Ash ki Baat’)

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“Credit goes to PCA as well. He was backed a lot. This change came after COVID. Before that, the performances were not as much. As a senior, I also told him to take time at the start, but he would always play in one gear. I always used to tell him you are made for a higher level. Shubman is already playing for India, but you are still not there. Now his shot selection has become a lot better,” he further added.

However, Team India legend Ravichandran Ashwin also lauded Abhishek Sharma. He praised the opener for changing and
redefining batting in the T20 format.

“Abhishek Sharma is someone who has changed the batting template. He has shaken the system. No opener has played with this strike rate before. He has no fear of losing his wicket. That is appreciable. He is not playing to save his spot. He has changed the template. If someone bats like this and with such intent, the bowlers are going to be scared,” he concluded.