Ex-India Star Hails Abhishek Sharma as Superior to Chris Gayle in Explosive Batting
Mohammad Kaif praises young opener’s fearless aggression that starts from ball one
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has sparked debate by claiming young opener Abhishek Sharma has surpassed T20 legend Chris Gayle in one key aspect of aggressive batting. The praise follows Abhishek’s stunning unbeaten 68 off just 20 balls in the third T20I against New Zealand, helping India dominate the ongoing series. Kaif highlighted Abhishek’s ability to attack immediately without needing time to settle, a trait that sets him apart even from the “Universe Boss.”
Kaif noted that explosive batters like Gayle often played intelligently, sometimes taking the first over cautiously—especially on challenging pitches—to assess conditions before unleashing big shots. “Players who play like him are typically not very consistent. I’ve seen several big-name players who have a similar style, like Chris Gayle, who always went for the big shots,” Kaif explained. “But even Chris Gayle played with intelligence. He would often take the first over carefully… before shifting gears.”
However, Kaif argued Abhishek has “gone beyond that.” He doesn’t require any settling period and launches attacks straightaway, combining consistency with unrelenting aggression. “Abhishek Sharma has gone beyond that. He doesn’t need time to settle—he attacks straightaway. You can’t praise him enough,” Kaif said, emphasizing the left-hander’s match-winning impact and high strike rate.
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Since his international debut in 2024, Abhishek has emerged as one of the most destructive openers in world cricket, frequently compared to Gayle for his left-handed powerplay dominance and fearless strokeplay. His recent performances, including rapid fifties and match-defining knocks, have drawn widespread acclaim from experts and fans alike.
The comparison underscores the evolution of T20 batting, where modern players like Abhishek push boundaries with immediate intent while maintaining reliability—qualities that have made him a vital asset for India in the shortest format.
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