'If He Gets Over the Initial Stage...' – Kris Srikkanth on India’s opener ahead of Asia Cup 2025 India-Pakistan clash

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has backed explosive opener Abhishek Sharma to deliver a swashbuckling innings if he overcomes the early jitters in India’s crucial Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, September 14. Both teams began the tournament on a high note, registering convincing wins against the UAE and Oman, respectively.

Abhishek gave fans a glimpse of his stroke-making ability during India’s chase against the UAE, scoring 30 off just 16 balls. The youngster has adapted seamlessly to T20Is, averaging over 33 at a strike rate of 193.49 across 18 matches, showcasing his ability to change games in a matter of deliveries.

On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said, “He scored even against England. But we have to wait and see. I won't hype him up too much already. Though it happens to all attacking batters, he does occasionally mishit the short delivery on his body and get caught. Even in the IPL, he got out two or three times at square leg against that delivery. Pakistan will try bowling at his chest and into his body. But if he gets over the initial stage, Abhishek Sharma will smash the bowling.” Earlier this year, Abhishek also recorded the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian, reaching the milestone in 37 deliveries against England.

Srikkanth Questions India’s Batting Strategy Against Pakistan

Srikkanth also raised questions about India’s decision to go with eight specialist batters in the T20 format. In their opener against the UAE, India dropped all-time leading T20I wicket-taker Arshdeep Singh and played only three specialist bowlers—Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah—to extend their batting depth to No. 8.

See Also: BCCI set to appoint former Indian wicketkeeper-batter as new president: Reports

“I said Arshdeep should play in the first match itself. Does India need eight batters for playing 20 overs? Especially against a team like Pakistan, do you need eight batters? We don't even know if more than four batters will get an opportunity. The problem is everything has become spin-oriented and there is little assistance for medium pacers. Pakistan themselves have gone spin-heavy, dropping Haris Rauf,” Srikkanth said. In recent T20I encounters, India has won three out of the last five games against Pakistan, though Pakistan has claimed two of the three T20Is held in Dubai, the venue for the upcoming clash.