By Admin 
Irfan Pathan Impressed With Abhishek Sharma Batting: Team India’s explosive opening batsman Abhishek Sharma has created a distinct identity for himself in T20 International in a very short time. Abhishek puts pressure on the opposition teams by playing big shots from the initial overs and with the help of his explosive innings, India gets a good start. Abhishek Sharma played a quick inning of 84 runs during the first T20 International match against New Zealand on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. On the basis of his strong innings, the Indian team made a huge score of 238 runs. Abhishek was chosen ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant performance, after which former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has described Abhishek Sharma as a strong contender for Team India for the future in the 50 over format.
What did Irfan Pathan write about Abhishek Sharma?
Irfan Pathan wrote on his X account, ‘Abhishek Sharma should be included in the plan for the 50-over World Cup. At present, players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are ahead of him, but imagine if Abhishek takes maximum advantage of the powerplay in ODI like in T20. While recommending Abhishek’s place in the team for the ODI World Cup to be held in 2027, Irfan said that his aggressive style can prove to be a game-changer for India in the powerplay.
Abhishek Sharma should be in the considerations for the 50-over World Cup. Guys like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are ahead of him at the moment. But imagine him maximizing the powerplay in a similar fashion to T20s.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 22, 2026
Irfan Pathan gave statement on Abhishek Sharma
Irfan Pathan’s statement on Abhishek Sharma has come at a time when Abhishek played an explosive inning of 84 runs in just 35 balls in the first T20 International match played against New Zealand in Nagpur. His innings included 5 fours and 8 sixes. Thanks to Abhishek’s strong innings, India set a mountain-like target of 238 runs, due to which New Zealand had to face defeat by 48 runs. Abhishek Sharma is currently the world number-1 batsman in T20 International.