New Delhi, February 6: Former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey believes that Abhishek Sharma has matured into a fully developed player. He noted that Abhishek possesses a clear mindset in his game, understanding what to do on the field and how to make decisions. With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, it was only a matter of time before Abhishek secured his place in the senior Indian team.
Abhishek Sharma is set to enter this major tournament as one of the top-ranked T20 international batsmen in the world. Since his debut in July 2024, he has scored 1,297 runs in 37 T20 international matches. During this period, he has recorded ten innings of fifty runs or more, the highest by any batsman in this timeframe.
Moreover, Abhishek has hit 88 sixes, the most among batsmen from the top ten countries. His strike rate stands at an impressive 195, the best among batters who have scored over 1,000 runs.
Mhambrey has known Abhishek since he was part of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2018. Even then, he sensed that this player would become a significant name in cricket. Both Mhambrey and former coach Rahul Dravid are not surprised by Abhishek’s current success.
In a special interview on Friday, Mhambrey reflected, “I often think back to Abhishek’s Under-19 days. You always felt he had time. I thought he was probably the youngest in that group at around 17. Yet, you knew he would develop as a player in the next 3-4 years because he had both technique and timing. I believe no one who has been around him is surprised, including Rahul (Dravid). I’m sure if you spoke to Rahul, he would agree – we are not surprised by his performance at this stage.”
One of Abhishek’s standout qualities is his ability to score quickly from the start. He plays aggressively against fast bowlers from the very first ball. Many of his boundaries come from the cover and point regions, showcasing his confidence. Against spin bowlers, he accelerates even further, hitting a six almost every six balls.
Mhambrey emphasizes that what sets Abhishek apart is the fluidity of his batting and his clear thinking. He knows how to play, effectively uses the crease, creates angles, and bats intelligently. Mhambrey stated, “He is doing it very smartly. I think these aspects truly make him stand out.”
Team India now faces a pleasant dilemma. Both Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson are contenders to open alongside Abhishek. Kishan is in excellent form. Mhambrey believes having options is always beneficial. When both batsmen play aggressively, it becomes incredibly challenging for the opposing team to bowl effectively. India now aims not just to play safely in the first six overs but to score at a rate of 10 to 13 runs per over.
Mhambrey notes that this situation is advantageous for the Indian team but intimidating for opponents. Bowlers find no respite, which is becoming India’s strength.