“The bowlers are scared of him” - Virender Sehwag heaps praise on Abhishek Sharma

Former Indian opener and commentator Virender Sehwag has heaped praise on the Indian opening batter Abhishek Sharma, who smacked an exceptional 74-run knock off 39 balls against Pakistan on Sunday, September 21, in Dubai.

Speaking exclusively on Sony Sports Network, Sehwag has stated that the opening batter needs to be ready right from the first ball, as the opening bowler can bowl a warm-up delivery to start things off. Notably, Abhishek smacked Shaheen Afridi for a six off the first ball of the chase.

"I always say that you should be ready on the first ball because the bowler can bowl a warm-up delivery. The bowler tries to open up his body, and he can bowl a loose ball in such a scenario, and Abhishek Sharma is ready from the first ball, that he would hit if it's in his area," Sehwag told Sony Sports Network.

"He saw a short ball and pulled it because the fine leg was up. Even if he had been behind, it would have been a six. If the bowler bowls full, he hits straight. He won't spare you if you don't bowl at the right spot," he noted.

Moreover, Sehwag has also reckoned that the opposition bowlers are scared to bowl at Abhishek Sharma, who has been carrying an exceptional strike rate of close to 200 after playing 21 T20Is for India.

"The biggest thing is that his strike rate is close to 200. You can maintain a strike rate of 200 in one, two, or five matches, but he has played a lot of matches. It's slightly difficult to maintain a strike rate of 200 in so many matches, but he is doing that extremely well. The bowlers are scared of him, as to where they should bowl to him. It's fine if they get him out, but it's a problem if they don't," he said.

"His specialty is that he doesn't move a lot. He remains still. He waits to see where the ball will come, and then moves in that direction and plays his shots, which is a very good thing. If you ask any kid to stand still and keep seeing the ball, cricket becomes easy for him because he then reacts to the ball," he concluded.

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