New Delhi, Feb 6 (NationPress) Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has commended the left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma for his clear game strategy and sound decision-making ahead of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. Mhambrey remarked that it was only a matter of time before Abhishek made his way into the senior team and evolved into a top-notch player.

As the leading T20I batter, Abhishek heads into the major tournament with an impressive tally of 1,297 runs from 37 T20Is, featuring ten fifty-plus scores since his debut in July 2024. This record highlights his prowess, making him the top scorer in this period leading up to the World Cup. Moreover, he tops the six-hitting leaderboard with 88 maximums, the highest among the top ten teams, and boasts a strike rate of 195, the best among batters with over 1,000 runs.

Abhishek’s ability to hit powerful shots is unparalleled; according to Cricket-21, he hits a six every eight balls in T20Is. He has also struck 55 maximums during the initial overs, the second-highest for an Indian men’s batter. Notably, he has hit 36 sixes within his first ten deliveries, averaging a six every nine balls.

Mhambrey has monitored Abhishek's growth since he was part of the victorious 2018 Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup team in New Zealand. While many may find his rapid rise in T20Is impressive, Mhambrey and former head coach Rahul Dravid were not surprised.

“Reflecting on Abhishek's under-19 days, you could sense he had ample time. He was still a teenager, yet you knew he would develop into a strong player within a few years due to his technique and timing,” stated Mhambrey in an exclusive interview with IANS on Friday.

Abhishek’s dominance is evident through his quick scoring ability. He often goes after pace bowlers from his first ball, aiming to create width and impose his game. Nearly half of his boundaries against pace in powerplay have been through point and cover areas, showcasing a powerful style that defines his play. Against spinners, he accelerates further, hitting one maximum every six balls.

“What stands out is the fluidity of his batting and his timing. Analyzing his game, it’s evident that there is clarity in his approach. His decision-making is sharp, and he executes his game plan with precision,” Mhambrey noted, who was a key figure in India’s 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup win as a bowling coach.

With wicketkeeper-batters Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson competing for the opening spot alongside Abhishek, India faces a selection dilemma that Mhambrey describes as a 'happy headache.' Kishan has been in excellent form, scoring a rapid 103 against New Zealand and a brisk 53 in a warm-up match against South Africa.

“It’s always beneficial to have options, especially when they can perform. The team must decide whether to stick with Sanju or go with Ishan, who is currently in form. Thankfully, that decision isn’t ours anymore,” Mhambrey added. “Both batters are playing in a similar attacking style, posing a challenge for the opposition. It’s exciting to see how they utilize the powerplay effectively, consistently scoring over 10 runs in the first six overs,” he concluded.