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Abhishek Sharma needs to work more on bowling: Harbhajan Singh
By SMCS - Feb 4, 2025 10:00 am
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Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has shown his desire to see Abhishek Sharma focus more on his bowling. He also believes Abhishek possesses the potential of a full-time left-arm spinner as well, and enhancing his bowling skills will help him to contribute to the team in many ways.

Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma witnessed back-to-back failures

Harbhajan Singh said after Abhishek Sharma smashed India’s second-fastest T20I hundred, reaching the feat in just 37 balls during India’s 150-run win over England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, February 2 as well. Abhishek hit 13 sixes – the most by an Indian batter in a T20I innings as well.

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“I want to see Abhishek bowl a bit more. He is a very good bowler. When I saw him early in his career, I noticed his seam position was excellent. However, he doesn’t put as much effort into his bowling as he does into his batting,” Harbhajan Singh said. “Every time he meets me, I remind him— even now— that we need to talk about his bowling first. Batting is his first love, and he will continue to excel at it. But he can certainly work more on his bowling. He possesses all the qualities of a good left-arm spinner. He is a hard-working guy, and his father has been equally dedicated to his career.”

Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma played a blitzkrieg knock

Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh recalled recognising Abhishek Sharma’s spark as early as 2017, when he made his Ranji Trophy debut under Harbhajan Singh’s captaincy for Punjab as well.

“He was fearless from the start. He doesn’t concern himself with the bowler’s reputation—if the ball is in his arc, he will go for the shot. I remember a four-day game where the mid-wicket was on the boundary and a left-arm spinner was bowling. But Abhishek stepped out and hit a six. I didn’t want to change him. He was naturally fearless, and if I could help him improve, I was always willing,” Harbhajan Singh concluded.