New Delhi: India’s former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has showered praise on young opener Abhishek Sharma, calling him a fully matured cricketer ready for the big stage. Speaking exclusively, Mhambrey highlighted Abhishek’s crystal-clear game plan and decision-making prowess on the field, which made his rise to the senior team inevitable ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Abhishek, who debuted in July 2024, has exploded onto the scene with 1,297 runs in 37 T20Is at a staggering strike rate of 195 – the highest among batters with over 1,000 runs. He’s smashed 10 half-centuries, the most in this period, and 88 sixes, topping the charts among top-10 nations’ players.
Mhambrey, who first spotted Abhishek’s talent during India’s 2018 U-19 World Cup triumph, recalled the teenager’s poise. ‘He was just 17, the youngest in the group, but you could see the technique and timing. It was only a matter of time,’ Mhambrey said. Even Rahul Dravid, the then coach, isn’t surprised by his success.
What sets Abhishek apart is his aggressive intent from ball one. He attacks pacers with cover drives and cuts from point, showcasing fearless confidence. Against spinners, he’s even deadlier, clearing ropes nearly every over. ‘His batting is so natural and smart – perfect crease usage, angles, everything,’ Mhambrey added.
India now faces a selection dilemma for the opener’s slot alongside Abhishek: Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson? Both are in red-hot form. Mhambrey sees this as a luxury. ‘When aggressive openers fire, bowlers dread the powerplay. India now targets 10-13 runs per over right from the start,’ he noted.
This firepower is India’s strength and opponents’ nightmare, positioning the team dominantly as the T20 World Cup looms.