During Friday, October 31’s second Twenty20 International at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Irfan Pathan questioned Abhishek Sharma‘s awareness and purpose. Abhishek batted brilliantly during the powerplay in the first innings, but once the field limits were removed, the former India all-rounder claimed that his form had slowed.
India lost four wickets during the powerplay after Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to bowl first. For single-digit scores, five of the top six batters were out of the game. Nonetheless, Abhishek maintained a healthy strike rate throughout the innings. After being moved up the order, Harshit Rana and the Punjab all-rounder stitched a 56-run partnership. Abhishek, however, was unable to receive much of the strike during the partnership. Only 13 deliveries were made to the opening batsman during the 47-ball partnership.
Abhishek top-scored with a 37-ball 68, hitting eight fours and two sixes as India was ultimately bowled out for 125 in 18.4 overs. Australia chased the mark in just 13.2 overs and won the match by four wickets.
“Abhishek Sharma demonstrated once more that he was batting on one pitch while everyone else appeared to be batting on another.
It was an incredible innings and a stunning half-century, but if you look closely, you’ll see that it was divided into two sections. He batted brilliantly during the powerplay, but he should have continued with the same awareness and intent when it finished, but he didn’t,” Pathan stated on his YouTube channel.
According to Pathan, Abhishek ought to have been more game-aware while he was alongside Harshit and attempted to farm the strike in order to help the team score more runs.
“Harshit performed his duties. He scored a respectable 35 runs and made sure the team didn’t lose any more wickets. That’s all a lower-order hitter could hope for. He fulfilled his obligations; you may discuss strike rate at a later time. What role did Abhishek Sharma play there, then? He played freely during the powerplay and maintained his composure even when wickets fell all around him. However, Abhishek faced just 14 balls out of 47 during that stand, with Harshit Rana receiving the majority of the strike. He had to assume leadership there. He is undoubtedly India’s top T20 hitter right now, but he needs to be more game-aware, Pathan continued.
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