'He Should Have Continued with Same...' - Former India all-rounder questions Abhishek Sharma’s approach in 2nd T20I vs Australia

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan questioned Abhishek Sharma’s intent and awareness during the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, October 31. Pathan acknowledged that Abhishek batted brilliantly during the powerplay but felt the youngster failed to maintain the same tempo once the field restrictions were lifted.

After Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh opted to bowl first, India had a rough start, losing four wickets inside the powerplay. Five of the top six batters were dismissed for single-digit scores. However, Abhishek stood firm, scoring freely and keeping India’s innings alive. Harshit Rana was promoted up the order and added a valuable 56-run stand with the left-hander. Despite this partnership, Abhishek hardly faced the strike, just 13 balls during their 47-ball partnership. India got bowled out for 125, in 18.4 overs, with Abhishek top scoring with 68 runs in 37 balls with eight fours and two sixes. Australia easily chased the target in 13.2 overs with a final score of four wickets.

Pathan praised Abhishek’s half-century but pointed out where he could have shown better game sense. “Abhishek Sharma once again showed that while everyone else seemed to be batting on one pitch, he was batting on another. It was a brilliant half-century, a superb innings, but if you look closely, you’ll notice it had two parts. During the powerplay, he batted beautifully, but after it ended, he should have continued with the same intent and awareness, which he didn’t,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Pathan Urges Abhishek to Show Better Game Awareness

Pathan further explained that Abhishek needed to take charge during his partnership with Harshit Rana and ensure he faced more deliveries. “Harshit did his job. He ensured the team didn’t lose another wicket and managed a decent 35-run knock. As a lower-order batter, that’s all you can ask for. You can talk about strike rate later, but he did what was required. Now, what was Abhishek Sharma’s responsibility there? The powerplay went well, he played freely, and even when wickets fell around him, he stayed composed. But during that stand, most of the strike went to Harshit Rana, Abhishek faced only 14 balls out of 47. That’s where he needed to take charge. No doubt he’s India’s No. 1 T20 batter at the moment, but he must show better game awareness,” Pathan added.

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The former all-rounder’s comments highlight that while Abhishek’s form and confidence are impressive, maintaining intent beyond the powerplay will be key for India’s batting depth and success in upcoming matches.