Kris Srikkanth shares his views on explosive India batter Abhishek Sharma ahead of Pakistan clash - "Won't hype him up too much"

Devansh Poddar

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Kris Srikkanth shares his views on explosive India batter Abhishek Sharma ahead of Pakistan clash - "Won't hype him up too much" image

(getty)

As India prepares for their high-voltage clash against Pakistan, former Indian opener Kris Srikanth has heaped praise on the young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma. 

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Srikanth has backed the young star to produce a thrilling knock against Pakistan if he overcomes the initial phases against the arch-rivals in the upcoming encounter. 

Abhishek Sharma backed by Kris Srikanth to dominate Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 clash

Abhishek has been a star for the Indian lineup ever since his debut in the shortest format. The left-handed opener from Punjab made a name during the Indian Premier League with his exceptional stroke play, playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

Talking about the young star on his YouTube channel, Srikanth said:

"He scored even against England. But we have to wait and see. I won't hype him up too much already. Though it happens to all attacking batters, he does occasionally mishit the short delivery on his body and get caught. Even in the IPL, he got out two or three times at square leg against that delivery. Pakistan will try bowling at his chest and into his body. But if he gets over the initial stage, Abhishek Sharma will smash the bowling."

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Abhishek smashed a stunning hundred earlier this year against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Punjab batter showed a small glimpse of his form and approach in the season opener against the UAE, scoring 30 off just 16 deliveries, in a small chase of 58. 

When is the India vs Pakistan clash?

India and Pakistan will lock horns on Sunday, September 14th, in a Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The two sides will come up against each other for the first time in T20Is since the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India came on top. 

If both India and Pakistan reach the final, the sides can face each other as many as three times during the current Asia Cup edition.

Abhishek will have a big challenge in front of him. While he has played and scored big for India, he has never been a part of such a high-intensity game. This is also his first game against Pakistan, and the batter would surely want to make it count. 

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Devansh Poddar

Devansh Poddar is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.