USA cricketer Milind Kumar named Abhishek Sharma as India’s key player ahead of their T20 World Cup opening clash on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium. The former Indian domestic player believes the world number one T20I batter can single-handedly turn matches in India’s favour.

Milind Kumar’s Praise for Abhishek Sharma

Speaking to ANI, Milind Kumar was clear about the threat posed by India’s explosive opener. “Abhishek Sharma will be the key player, and he can turn the match alone,” he stated. The 25-year-old left-hander currently holds the top spot in ICC T20I batting rankings with 917 rating points after overtaking Australia’s Travis Head.

Abhishek has scored 1297 runs in 38 T20I matches with two centuries and eight half-centuries. His recent form against New Zealand was impressive - 182 runs with two fifties in the five-match series. He struck a blistering 135 off 54 balls against England earlier this year, India’s highest individual T20I score.

His strike rate of 193.84 makes him one of the most dangerous openers in world cricket. Abhishek announced his arrival with 100 off 47 balls in just his second international match. Since then, he’s cemented his place at the top alongside Ishan Kishan, who’s also in red-hot form after scoring 207 runs against New Zealand.

Milind Kumar’s Journey from India to USA

Milind Kumar knows Indian cricket inside out. Before moving to the USA, he represented Delhi and Sikkim in the Ranji Trophy, becoming the leading run-getter in the 2018-19 season. He was part of Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2014 IPL and joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2019, though he never played a match.

After retiring from Indian cricket in 2021, Milind signed with Minor League Cricket in the USA. He was in the USA squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup but didn’t get a chance to play. This time, he’s ready to face his former colleagues.

“We are ready for the big match against India, and I am excited to play in front of the Wankhede crowd. I met many former colleagues in the field yesterday and we exchanged many good old memories,” Milind shared.

USA’s Challenge Against Defending Champions

USA find themselves in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, Namibia, and Netherlands - all matches in Sri Lanka except the India game at Wankhede. Captain Monank Patel leads a squad featuring experienced players like Saurabh Netravalkar, who troubled Pakistan in the 2024 World Cup.

India are overwhelming favourites. They recently crushed New Zealand 4-1 and beat South Africa by 30 runs in the warm-up match. Suryakumar Yadav’s team has won 31 of 39 matches under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching, a 79.48% success rate.

Milind’s warning about Abhishek is spot-on. The opener’s ability to smash bowlers from ball one makes powerplay overs crucial. If Abhishek fires, USA’s bowlers will struggle on a batting-friendly Wankhede pitch.

India’s Squad Depth Poses Big Problem

Beyond Abhishek, India boast Ishan Kishan in blazing form, captain Suryakumar Yadav peaking at the right time, and explosive finishers like Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh. Their bowling features world number one Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.

USA’s best chance lies in early wickets. If Saurabh Netravalkar can dismiss Abhishek cheaply and Ali Khan keeps pressure on the middle order, they might restrict India. But Milind knows that on home soil with a full Wankhede crowd, India will be nearly unstoppable.

Tickets for the match start at Rs 750 on BookMyShow. India will then face Namibia on February 12 before the high-voltage Pakistan clash, which Pakistan has threatened to boycott.

Milind’s assessment reflects reality. Stopping Abhishek Sharma will be USA’s biggest challenge when the T20 World Cup begins in three days.