Australia's spinner Matt Kuhnemann has commended India opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of the fourth T20I, highlighting him as a serious batting talent capable of taking control of the game early on. Kuhnemann emphasized the need for Australian pacers to dismiss Sharma in the powerplay to curb India's explosive starts.
The left-arm spinner described Abhishek Sharma as a significant threat, underscoring his rapid rise and aggressive stroke play. Kuhnemann admitted that containing Sharma is crucial for Australia's chances in the match.
"Abhishek Sharma is a serious batting talent who can take the game away early."
Abhishek Sharma has quickly become one of India's brightest batting prospects. Following a standout Indian Premier League season marked by fearless hitting and a wide range of shots, he seamlessly transitioned that success into international cricket.
His performance in the Asia Cup was particularly notable, where he finished as the tournament's top run-scorer and played a pivotal role in India's title-winning campaign.
Sharma has continued his impressive form against Australia in the ongoing T20I series, scoring a fluent 68 in the second match at Melbourne. His aggressive approach right from the start of the innings is a challenge for Australia.
"Abhishek sets the tone for India in the powerplay and can shift momentum quickly if allowed to settle."
Matt Kuhnemann’s remarks highlight Abhishek Sharma’s significance as a game-changer and how crucial it is for Australia to neutralize his threat early in the match.
Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive batting has quickly made him a key player for India, with Australia focused on dismissing him early to prevent game domination.