Sanjay Bangar's ultimate praise for Abhishek Sharma: defines India's T20 approach
Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar heaped praise on World No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, saying his fearless and aggressive approach defines the way India want to play in the shortest format . The 25-year-old left-hander has smashed 1,115 runs in 33 T20I matches since his debut against Zimbabwe in July 2024, maintaining an astounding strike rate of 188.02 with two centuries and six half-centuries .
Bangar’s ultimate praise for Abhishek
Speaking on JioHotstar, Bangar highlighted how crucial Abhishek’s fearless mindset is to India’s T20I strategy. “Abhishek Sharma defines the way this Indian team wants to play in the T20 format. A fearless and aggressive brand of cricket is only possible with a player like Abhishek Sharma,” the former batting coach said .
Abhishek’s meteoric rise as an opener has transformed India’s approach at the top of the order, bringing an explosive start that puts immediate pressure on opposition bowlers. His ability to score at nearly two runs per ball while maintaining consistency has made him one of the most dangerous T20I batters in world cricket.
Washington Sundar ruled out, squad changes made
The BCCI confirmed on January 16 that Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21 . Sundar underwent scans after reporting acute discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on January 11 .
He has been diagnosed with a side strain and advised rest for a few days, after which he will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further management of his injury . Star leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been named as Sundar’s replacement for the five-match series .
Shreyas Iyer returns for first three T20Is
The Men’s Selection Committee has also added Shreyas Iyer to the T20I squad for the first three matches as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma . This gives India additional batting depth in the middle order and provides flexibility in team combinations depending on conditions.
India’s updated T20I squad
India’s updated T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravi Bishnoi .