Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh recently shared his thoughts on Abhishek Sharma’s potential to become a dominant all-rounder in international cricket. The left-handed batter turned heads with his record-breaking century in the 5th T20I against England. Harbhajan, however, pointed out one crucial area where Abhishek could improve—his bowling.
The spotlight is on Abhishek Sharma, who has established himself as a fearless batter, smashing India’s second-fastest T20I century in just 37 balls. While his batting continues to win accolades, Harbhajan Singh believes the 23-year-old has untapped potential as a full-time left-arm spinner. In this article, we dive into the five ways Harbhajan Singh thinks Abhishek Sharma can take his game to the next level.
1. Invest More in Bowling
Harbhajan Singh emphasized that Abhishek needs to put as much effort into his bowling as he does into his batting. With a natural seam position and sharp control, Abhishek has shown promise as a left-arm spinner. Yet, Harbhajan feels his bowling remains underutilized.
“I want to see Abhishek bowl more. He is a very good bowler, but he doesn’t put as much effort into bowling as he does into batting,” Harbhajan said.
Despite limited opportunities, Abhishek has picked up six wickets in T20Is at an economy rate of under 6. Developing his bowling would make him a formidable all-rounder, adding depth to India’s bowling attack.
2. Strengthen All-Round Skills Under Gambhir’s Guidance
India’s coaching team, led by Gautam Gambhir, has prioritized grooming multi-dimensional players. Harbhajan believes Abhishek’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball fits perfectly into this strategy.
His performances in the T20I series against England showcased his versatility. Beyond his explosive batting, his controlled bowling in pressure situations suggests he could be India’s answer to finding a consistent all-rounder in the shorter formats.
3. Maintain Fearlessness in Batting
Abhishek Sharma’s fearless approach has been his hallmark since his early days. Harbhajan recalled Abhishek’s impressive debut in the Ranji Trophy under his captaincy, where the 17-year-old displayed remarkable courage.
“He doesn’t care about the bowler’s reputation. If the ball is in his arc, he will go for it. That fearless mindset is what makes him special,” Harbhajan shared.
With 13 sixes in the 5th T20I against England, Abhishek became the Indian batter with the most sixes in a single innings. Harbhajan’s advice is to continue refining this fearless approach while balancing it with situational awareness.
4. Focus on Consistency Across Formats
Abhishek’s performance in the England T20I series was nothing short of extraordinary, scoring 279 runs, including two fifties and a century. However, to transition into a reliable all-format player, Harbhajan believes Abhishek must work on his adaptability.
“His explosive batting is remarkable, but if he can replicate that form in ODIs and Test cricket, he will become an invaluable asset for India,” said Harbhajan.
By improving his technique and shot selection for longer formats, Abhishek can extend his dominance across all formats of the game.
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5. Develop Mental Toughness for High-Stakes Matches
One of Harbhajan’s key observations about Abhishek is his ability to stay calm under pressure. However, as Abhishek continues to rise in international cricket, developing mental toughness will be crucial.
The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a masterclass from Abhishek, where he powered India to a 150-run win over England. Yet, maintaining this composure in high-stakes tournaments like the World Cup or Champions Trophy will define his legacy.
“He has all the ingredients to become a game-changer. With more experience and mental preparation, he can lead India to victories in crucial matches,” Harbhajan remarked.
The Bigger Picture
Abhishek Sharma’s journey from a fearless teenager to a rising star in Indian cricket has been nothing short of inspirational. His record-breaking innings against England and Harbhajan Singh’s endorsement highlight his potential to dominate world cricket as a genuine all-rounder.
As Harbhajan noted, focusing on bowling, staying fearless, and aiming for consistency will unlock Abhishek’s full potential. With the right guidance and hard work, he could become one of India’s greatest all-rounders in the coming years.
