The Japan Times - Abhishek Sharma: Indian cricket's 'new-generation superstar'

The 26-year-old left-hander underlined his rare talent with a blistering 113 off 38 balls against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday, an innings that propelled him back to the top of the world T20 rankings.

A protege of former India star Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek has become the face of India's aggressive new-era batting, combining a punishing strike-rate of 196 with a sound technique that experts say sets him apart from his contemporaries.

Veteran writer Sharda Ugra said India had a new cricketing idol in Abhishek, with star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the twilight of their careers.

"He is already the next big thing in Indian cricket," Ugra told AFP. "I think he has just caught everyone's eye with his consistency as much as his explosive batting.

"He is the new-generation superstar."

Abhishek's latest century against New Zealand, studded with nine fours and 11 sixes, also drew praise from opposition batter Daryl Mitchell.

"Some of that hitting was world-class, and that's why he is one of the best in the world at what he does," Mitchell said.

"You take your hat off and say, well played."

Abhishek's knocks in different conditions has helped rubbish criticism that he can perform only on flat batting tracks.

"Stop saying that he can only bat on a particular pitch," former India batter Mohammad Kaif said.

"He is already moving towards greatness in T20 cricket," Kaif added, calling for Abhishek to be given a chance in the 50-over format as well.

Born in the northern state of Punjab, Abhishek honed his craft under the watchful eye of Yuvraj during India's Covid-19 lockdown.

Yuvraj, also a left-handed batsman, was among the first to applaud his Wellington knock.

"I can't make 100 off 30 or 34 balls. Well played sir," he wrote on X.

In 71 T20 internationals Abhishek has scored 2,267 runs with four centuries at an average of 33.33.

He is yet to play ODI or Test cricket.

- 'Not slogging' -

Abhishek's success comes amid fierce competition for places at the top of India's batting order, with wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also vying for opportunities.

"Everybody thought Vaibhav is going to be it (next superstar) but Abhishek has come and snatched this away from him," said Ugra.

"In the sense that he has created a template which is very hard to match around the world and you cannot find a player of that quality and that consistency."

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt believes Abhishek's batting approach gives him an edge over others.

"It's percentage cricket involving calculated risks, where the risk element is less," Butt said.

"That's because chances are taken seeing the ball and the bowler's angle. It's not blind hitting, not slogging either. Just well thought-out batting."

Abhishek has risen up the ranks, having represented India in the triumphant Under-19 World Cup squad in 2018 under Rahul Dravid.

In the Indian Premier League he emerged as a star for Sunrisers Hyderabad after an initial stint with Delhi Capitals, forging a formidable opening partnership with Australia's Travis Head.

Abhishek's popularity has surged off the field as well.

His boyish charm and growing profile have attracted a string of endorsement deals, making him one of the most marketable faces among India's new generation of cricket stars.

S.Yamada--JT