“I would just tell him to…” - AB de Villiers offers a piece of advice to Abhishek Sharma

Former South African dashing batter AB de Villiers has offered a piece of advice to the Indian top three batters ahead of the third T20I against South Africa in the ongoing five-match T20I series.

Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, De Villiers has suggested that the Indian opening batter Abhishek Sharma should relax, watch the ball, and play according to the situation instead of going for a six on every ball.

"I think the top three have been labelled to be incredibly aggressive and there's a lot of pressure on them to play in a certain way. I think the trend for them moving forward for them will to be find their own game and just slow down a touch. Not every ball has to go for a six because of the reputation you've given out in the IPL,” AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

Especially to Abhishek, I would just tell him to relax and watch the ball and just play. No one expects of you to hit every ball for a six. I think they're sometimes in a rush and forget to do the basics and lay a platform," he added.

"The theme for India moving forward should be for the top three not to play, I don't think they're arrogant, but they feel the pressure of having to play a certain way. Just remember you're up against international bowling attacks and pressure is even more. Just remember why you have been successful and what the basics are. That will be my message to the top three in the Indian batting line-up,” he concluded.

India holds a 2-1 record in the shortest format of the game in Dharamsala, having played only three games at the venue. While they bagged two wins against Sri Lanka in 2022, they lost to South Africa in 2015.

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