Abhishek Sharma mirrors Windies legend Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle stands tall as one of the most fearsome and influential batters the game of cricket has ever witnessed. At the peak of his powers, the left-handed West Indies great could dismantle even the most disciplined bowling attacks with effortless ease and supreme confidence. His ability to dominate bowlers across formats, especially in T20 cricket, set new benchmarks for power-hitting. Gayle’s record speaks volumes about his impact on the shortest format - he remains the highest run-scorer in T20 history, having piled up 14,562 runs in 463 matches. Maintaining an impressive average of 36.22 along with a strike rate of 144.75, he redefined how aggressively the format could be played and inspired a generation of attacking batters worldwide.
Abhishek Sharma is quite similar to Chris Gayle in T20I cricket?
In the modern era of cricket, Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a batter who carries a similarly destructive aura when in full flow. The young Punjab batter has showcased a fearless approach at the crease, blending raw power with sharp shot selection. When he finds his rhythm, bowlers often struggle to contain him, let alone dismiss him. Abhishek’s numbers in T20 internationals are staggering, highlighted by a remarkable strike rate of 195.22 in just 36 matches. His explosive style, intent-driven batting, and ability to change the course of a game within a few overs mark him as one of the most exciting talents in contemporary cricket.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif offered an insightful comparison between Chris Gayle and Abhishek Sharma, highlighting the contrast in their batting approaches. Kaif explained that Gayle, despite being known for his explosive stroke play, often took his time early in the innings to assess conditions and settle at the crease before unleashing his trademark onslaught. Once set, the West Indies legend was virtually unstoppable. In contrast, Abhishek Sharma adopts a far more aggressive mindset from the very first delivery, choosing to attack bowlers immediately rather than easing into his innings.
Kaif noted that batters who employ such an approach from ball one are often prone to inconsistency, as high-risk batting can lead to early dismissals. However, he was quick to point out that Abhishek is an exception to this trend. Praising his temperament and clarity, Kaif described the 25-year-old as a genuine match-winner capable of changing games single-handedly.
“Usually, players who play like him are not consistent. I’ve seen many big-name players like this. Chris Gayle, who used to play in a similar way, always going for the big shots. But even Chris Gayle played smart cricket. Gayle also used to play maiden overs. He would play the first over carefully, especially on pitches like Bangalore where there was early help, and then accelerate," former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif stated.
"Abhishek Sharma has surpassed that. He doesn’t need to settle his eyes, he attacks straight away. So you can’t praise him enough. Batters like this are usually inconsistent. One good innings, then a few failures. But look at Abhishek’s style. He proves himself in every match. Even if he faces just 12–14 balls, he scores 60–70 runs. That makes him a match-winner. If Abhishek Sharma is on, India are almost certain to win," he added.
Abhishek Sharma has been one of the standout performers in the ongoing five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand, delivering impactful performances at the top of the order. The young opening batter currently sits as the second-highest run-scorer in the series, underlining his growing importance in India’s T20 setup. In just three innings, Abhishek has accumulated an impressive 152 runs, showcasing remarkable consistency and explosive intent. His numbers are even more eye-catching when viewed in context—an outstanding average of 76 combined with a staggering strike rate of 271.43 reflects his ability to score quickly while still making meaningful contributions.
Abhishek’s fearless approach at the crease has repeatedly put the New Zealand bowlers under pressure, allowing India to seize early momentum in matches. His aggressive starts have not only set the tone for the innings but also eased the burden on the middle order. As a result of India’s dominant performances throughout the series, the team has already secured an unassailable 3-0 lead, with two matches still remaining. This commanding advantage highlights India’s overall supremacy, while Abhishek’s form stands out as a major positive. With the series effectively wrapped up, all eyes will remain on the opener as he looks to continue his red-hot form and further cement his place as a key T20 match-winner.
