If Abhishek Sharma is in form, Josh Hazlewood will be out of form: Abhishek Nayar

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Abhishek Nayar has asserted that if the Indian opening batter Abhishek Sharma bats through the powerplay overs, India would score close to 80 runs in the first six overs, increasing the pressure on the opposition. 

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports, Nayar felt that if Abhishek Sharma hits the form right from the first match of the five-match T20I series, Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood would be on the back foot, losing his rhythm. 

“If Abhishek Sharma is in form, Hazlewood will be out of form. The way he bats, he is known to hit the first ball for a four or a six. If you instill fear in the powerplay, it continues throughout the innings. That is Abhishek Sharma’s impact on the game. If he bats six overs, India will score between 60 to 80. It will ease the pressure for his batting partner, while it will increase for the opposition,” Nayar said on Star Sports.

Furthermore, Nayar also reckoned that though it’s a big test for Abhishek Sharma against Hazlewood, he asserted that the IPL experience would help him to do well against the star seamer. He also added that it’s the perfect moment for Sharma to earn respect among the Australian crowd.

“It will be a big test for him, especially against Hazlewood, who is in good rhythm and extracting extra bounce. However, I feel that he has got enough experience by playing in the IPL and in South Africa,” he added.

“He has a fearless mindset and will want to make a name for himself in Australia. This is a good chance for him, as it is very satisfying to earn respect in Australia. From how much I know him, he would want to make a name for himself here,” he concluded.

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