Aakash Chopra reaction on Abhishek Sharma: It is certainly a time of change for hosts India as they adjust to life without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who retired from the shortest format after the 2024 T20 World Cup win. Abhishek Sharma is one of the few players included in the replacement shortlist, but has failed to show consistency in his brief stint with the national team.
The left-handed top-order batsman is known for his ability to hit towards all parts of the ground. This skill was on full display when he scored a blistering century off 47 balls in the second T20 against Zimbabwe in July 2024.
Runs have to be scored against England
Former India batsman Aakash Chopra has acknowledged Sharma’s ability but believes that if he is to retain his place in the team, he will need to play the full length of the five-match series against England starting at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. Must be in some form.
“Abhishek’s form has been a bit up and down. Initially, in his second T20 match, he scored a century against Zimbabwe. After that, a lot of promise and a lot of potential, but not enough performance,” Chopra told Star Sports. So, I think for Abhishek Sharma, this is the last chance, and I really love that kid.”
Aakash Chopra further said, “I think if he does well, it will be great. But these 5 matches – go ahead and live your life. Because in these matches, like Sanju has made a name for himself in the last 3 matches. Similarly, Abhishek Sharma will also have to do this, otherwise there will be a slight change in time, and Jaiswal will come back.
Such has been the performance of Abhishek Sharma
Sharma has represented the national team in 12 T20 matches and barring the century against Zimbabwe, he has managed to score 156 runs in 11 matches. Although his strike rate is 171.81, his average of 23.27 is definitely a matter of concern.
The return of fast bowler Mohammed Shami will strengthen the team led by Suryakumar Yadav before the Champions Trophy starting next month. Shami last played for India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November 2023.
On the other hand, fast bowler Mark Wood will return to the team for the first time since August. He will join Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton in England’s fast bowling attack as the visiting team announced its playing XI for the first match of the series on Tuesday.
India’s record against England
India and England have faced each other 24 times in T20 Internationals, with India taking a slight lead with 13 wins over England with 11 wins. However, India has won five of the last seven T20 International matches between the two teams since 2021.
His last T20 International match was in the semi-finals of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, where India achieved a memorable victory. The series will start in Kolkata and then the remaining matches will be played in Chennai, Rajkot, Pune and Mumbai. The final T20 match will be held on 2 February in Mumbai.
The fight is ‘batsman vs batsman’
Chopra termed the battle of the giants as ‘bat versus bat’. Chopra said, “It is going to be a bat versus bat encounter. Because batting is heavy for both the sides. If we look at the clash, it is not a light clash. It is a heavy clash in which If you hit a six, the other team can hit two. And if the pitch is right, the pace can be set from the first match itself, and the other team will also look at it in the same manner. Will see.”
He said, “You are playing eleven also. You are also concerned about batting. So you play two-three proper bowlers; the rest are all-rounders. So, when both the teams play the same kind of cricket, almost the same “Cricket, so there should be a good clash. There should be a lot of runs, in my opinion.”
