Former India cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has picked Abhishek Sharma over England captain Harry Brook in the debate surrounding the most dangerous batter in T20I cricket. The former Chennai Super Kings player believes Abhishek’s extraordinary power-hitting ability and impressive numbers make him a more threatening proposition for bowlers in the shortest format. Abhishek has established himself as one of India’s most destructive opening batters, particularly during the powerplay. The left-hander has accumulated 2,267 runs in 71 T20I appearances at an average of 33.34 and an outstanding strike rate of 196.62.
Brook, meanwhile, has scored 1,702 runs in the same number of matches at an average of 36.21 and a strike rate of 164.93. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Subramaniam Badrinath explained why he considers the Indian opener a bigger threat than the English batter. “I think Abhishek is one of the most devastating hitters. It is enough to instill fear within the bowlers in the powerplay even though he has a baby face. His batting is on the next level,” Badrinath said.
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“The English media can say Harry Brook is the best right now. But there is no chance. It is Abhishek and he has got the numbers,” he added.
Abhishek’s recent performances have strengthened his reputation as one of the leading batters in international T20 cricket. During India’s third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington, he produced a sensational century while chasing a target of 200. The left-hander reached his hundred in just 35 deliveries before finishing with 113 off 38 balls. His explosive innings helped India complete the chase with 40 balls remaining, securing a comfortable six-wicket victory.
Abhishek also holds the record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian, having reached three figures in 30 balls against Afghanistan in Delhi. His Wellington hundred equalled the third-fastest century in men’s T20I cricket, matching the achievements of David Miller and Rohit Sharma. He also registered a 15-ball half-century during the innings.
Following that performance, Abhishek reclaimed the No. 1 position in the ICC T20I batter rankings. He has also moved past Virat Kohli to become India’s leading centurion in the format.
Apart from praising Abhishek, Subramaniam Badrinath expressed uncertainty over India’s opening combination during the New Zealand T20I series. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi partnered Abhishek in the third match, scoring 45 off 19 deliveries as India posted 118 runs in the powerplay.
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However, Ishan Kishan’s return from injury in the fourth T20I resulted in Sooryavanshi missing out, while Sanju Samson returned to the opening position. “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek opened and that was a surprise for me. I am still confused. Yes, India made 118 in the powerplay. But who should open?” Badrinath said. “Vaibhav or Sanju Samson? Samson at three I feel is not fair. I don’t know where this is going. But if they decide something, they need to stick to it,” he added.
Badrinath believes India need greater clarity regarding their batting order and should avoid frequent changes to their opening combination.
