NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has highlighted the pressure on Abhishek Sharma in the upcoming T20I series against England, which begins on Wednesday at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Chopra pointed out that while the Punjab opener has been given a vote of confidence, he is still “hanging by a thin thread,” with rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal breathing down his neck.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra remarked, “Abhishek Sharma has been given a vote of confidence, which I liked, as he has been kept with the team. However, he was hanging by a thin thread. Let’s be fair, Yashasvi Jaiswal won’t let him breathe. He is breathing down his neck, and it’s absolutely right.”
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Chopra also questioned whether Jaiswal should have been picked for the series, considering his current form and versatility, especially since he is unlikely to get a chance in the ODIs against England. “He is also a left-hander who plays similarly. He is a three-format player and is in form currently,” Chopra said, adding, “After some time, you might start thinking as an Indian fan that he won’t get a chance in ODIs as Shubman (Gill) and Rohit (Sharma) will open. If that happens, what cricket would he have played before the Champions Trophy? Only Ranji Trophy – that’s not a great story.”
The former cricketer emphasised that the upcoming series is a “massive opportunity” for Abhishek, who has had limited chances in the past. Chopra praised Abhishek’s century in Zimbabwe but added, “He hasn’t made the most of his opportunities thus far. The century he scored in Zimbabwe was excellent. Then he played one good knock in South Africa.”
Chopra pointed out that England’s seamers will likely target Abhishek’s struggles against short-pitched deliveries. “Short balls are troubling him, and short bowling will be done to him here also. Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson are there, and they are all going to bowl bouncers. Jamie Overton is also a tall bowler. So all of them will try to trouble you with short balls,” Chopra said, adding that Abhishek will need to find a way to deal with this challenge.
With no third opener in the squad, Chopra believes Abhishek will likely get all five matches. However, he warned that things could change quickly in Indian cricket.