X-factor Abhishek Sharma deserves longer rope in T20I squad: Piyush Chawla

India opener Abhishek Sharma played a match-winning knock of 79 runs off just 34 balls against England in the first T20I of the five-match series in Kolkata.

Abhishek’s sensational innings not only helped India chase down a target of 133 runs in 12.5 overs, but it also helped save his place in the lineup. Reacting to his innings, spinner Piyush Chawla said that the left-hander should be given a longer rope in the T20I side.

Abhishek’s place was under threat in the T20I lineup due to a string of poor scores in the format, after arriving in style with a hundred in the second T20I match of his career. Following a string of low scores against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, Abhishek slightly redeemed himself during the tour of South Africa, hitting one fifty. This, however, was nothing in comparison to Sanju Samson, who hit three T20I hundreds during the same period.

As the fans demanded Yashasvi Jaiswal be tried in the opener’s spot alongside Sanju, Abhishek came out with a stunning knock of 79 against England, which was laced with eight sixes and five fours.

Speaking on JioCinema, Chawla argued that players like Abhishek Sharma have the X-factor and should be given a longer rope compared to others.

“Abhishek Sharma is a high-risk batter. When he scores runs in a game, that will be a match-winning innings. Abhishek is an X-factor player; if he scores 60 runs, he will score it in 20-22 balls. You have to give a longer rope to these guys. Today, he started slow but scored his fifty in just 20 balls. This shows the mindset that he has and what range of shots he possesses. He uses the long levers and plays big shots,” Piyush Chawla said.

Former cricketer Suresh Raina, who was present on the same panel, joked that it was only Sharmajis’ kids who were dominating the opener’s slot, referring to Rohit Sharma, who opens for India in ODIs and Tests.

“Sharmajis’ kids only open the innings for India (laughs),” joked Suresh Raina.

Abhishek Sharma Did Not Change His Approach: Parthiv

Speaking on a different JioCinema feed, Parthiv Patel liked the fact that Abhishek did not change his approach despite being under pressure. Parthiv argued that Abhishek stuck to his process, which had helped him in the Indian Premier League and domestic cricket, which was a testament to his mental strength.

“There was definitely a question mark on his place, given he did not have much form. But I thought today he was methodical about his approach. I thought the England bowlers missed a trick by not using bouncers early on against Abhishek Sharma. But that’s how he plays,” Parthiv Patel said on JioCinema.

“What I really like about Sharma is, though he did not have a string of scores, he stuck to his game plan. This is something that has worked for him in the IPL and when he played for India. He got a hundred against Zimbabwe. He has not changed his approach. As a batter, when you don’t get runs, you might go back into your shell and try to get a 30-40 and then change your batting approach. But I thought Abhishek Sharma did not do that, so that’s a good sign as far as his mindset is concerned,” he concluded.

Abhishek will hope to make full use of the five matches against England, as this would be India’s last T20I assignment before the Indian Premier League. Abhishek will hope to seal his spot early as India prepares their squad for the T20 World Cup, set to be held by India and Sri Lanka in 2026.