Former England captain Michael Vaughan has thrown his support behind Abhishek Sharma, believing the young cricketer has the potential to represent India in all three formats of the game and excel, similar to fellow left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal. Since making his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in 2018, Abhishek has consistently showcased his talent.
However, it is in the ongoing 2024 edition of the IPL that the 23-year-old has truly come into his own, earning widespread praise from fans and cricket experts alike. This season, the Punjab all-rounder has been a standout performer, amassing 467 runs in 13 matches at an impressive average of 38.92 and a staggering strike rate of 209.42.
On Sunday, May 19, Abhishek played a crucial role in helping Sunrisers Hyderabad chase down a daunting 215-run target against Punjab Kings. His explosive 28-ball 66 not only secured victory for his team but also ensured they finished the league stage in second place on the points table.
ALSO READ: CSK CEO Addresses MS Dhoni Retirement Rumours After IPL 2024 Exit
Michael Vaughan, reflecting on Abhishek’s remarkable form, drew parallels with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made a smooth transition from IPL success to international cricket. He emphasized that Abhishek’s technical prowess and elegant bat swing are reminiscent of cricketing greats like Brian Lara and Yuvraj Singh.
“If you look at Yashasvi Jaiswal’s journey, he quickly moved from IPL success to making a significant impact in the Indian team, especially in Test cricket. While it might be early to make such comparisons, Abhishek Sharma shows similar promise. His technical abilities are top-notch, and he possesses a bat swing that reminds me of Lara and Yuvraj,” Michael Vaughan remarked during a discussion on Cricbuzz.
Vaughan further highlighted the unique nature of Yashasvi’s story, noting how rare it is for a player to seamlessly step onto the international stage and perform as if they have years of experience. He suggested that Abhishek is not far from achieving similar success.
During his stellar knock against Punjab Kings, Abhishek smashed six sixes, surpassing Virat Kohli’s record for the most sixes in a single IPL season. With a total of 41 sixes in IPL 2024, the young cricketer has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Vaughan was visibly impressed by Abhishek’s record-breaking performance.
ALSO READ: Swapnil Singh Recalls Emotional Journey From Being An IPL Auction Heartbreak To RCB Hero
“Considering the immense talent and the number of great Indian batters in the IPL, for Abhishek to lead in such a significant statistic is fantastic. It’s a testament to his skill and potential,” Michael Vaughan concluded.
Abhishek’s journey this season has not only solidified his reputation but also sparked hopes of seeing him don the Indian jersey across all formats, continuing to enthral cricket fans with his exceptional batting prowess.
