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Abhishek Sharma Defines India's T20 Philosophy, Says Sanjay Bangar

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has praised Abhishek Sharma, stating his fearless and aggressive brand of cricket defines how the Indian team wants to play T20s. Abhishek, since his debut in 2024, has amassed over 1100 runs at a staggering strike rate of 188. Meanwhile, all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand due to a side strain. The selection committee has named Ravi Bishnoi as his replacement and added Shreyas Iyer to the squad for the first three matches.

Key Points: Abhishek Sharma Defines India's T20 Style: Sanjay Bangar

  • Bangar hails Abhishek's fearless approach
  • Abhishek's stellar stats: 1115 runs at 188 SR
  • Sundar ruled out with side strain
  • Bishnoi and Iyer named as replacements
2 min read

Abhishek Sharma defines the way this Indian team wants to play in the T20 format: Sanjay Bangar

Sanjay Bangar praises Abhishek Sharma's fearless cricket as the blueprint for India's T20 approach. Squad updates for NZ series included.

"Abhishek Sharma defines the way this Indian team wants to play in the T20 format. - Sanjay Bangar"

New Delhi, January 17

Former Indian batting coach has heaped praise on the current World No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma for his fearless and aggressive brand of cricket in the shortest format.

Jiostar expert Bangar highlighted that Abhishek's fearless approach defines the way this Indian team wants to play in the T20 format.

"Abhishek Sharma defines the way this Indian team wants to play in the T20 format. A fearless and aggressive brand of cricket is only possible with a player like Abhishek Sharma," Bangar said on JioHotstar.

The 25-year-old Abhishek made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in July 2024.

Since then, the stylish left-handed batter has smashed 1115 runs in 33 matches at an astounding strike rate of 188.02. The Indian opener has two-centuries and six half-centuries to his name.

Meanwhile, Indian All-rounder Washington Sundar was ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting on January 21.

The development was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on January 16.

Earlier, Sundar underwent scans after reporting an acute onset of discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on 11 January. This was followed by an in-person consultation with an expert.

He has been diagnosed with a side strain and advised rest for a few days, after which he will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) for further management of his injury.

The Men's Selection Committee of BCCI has named star leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi as Washington Sundar's replacement for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Additionally, the Men's Selection Committee has added ace batter Shreyas Iyer to the T20I squad for the first three matches as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma.

India's updated T20I squad:

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravi Bishnoi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love watching him bat. But let's not put too much pressure on one young player. The whole top order needs to adopt this mindset, not just Abhishek.
K
Karthik V
Injuries to Sundar and Varma are a worry. Hope Bishnoi and Iyer grab their chances. The squad looks strong, but the real test is consistency against top teams like NZ.
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Priyanka N
Yaar, what a find he has been! From domestic cricket to defining India's T20 approach in less than a year. His left-handed flair at the top is a game-changer. More power to him!
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while Abhishek is exciting, calling him the "definition" of how India wants to play after just 33 matches feels premature. Let's see how this approach holds up in a World Cup pressure situation.
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Ananya R
So happy for Shreyas Iyer's return to the T20 squad! He brings experience to the middle order. This blend of youth (Abhishek) and experience (Iyer, SKY) looks perfect for the T20 WC.

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