Abhishek Sharma Can Turn Match Alone: USA Star's Big Praise
USA's Milind Kumar flags Abhishek Sharma as India's dangerous key player.
Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and the United States, USA cricketer Milind Kumar has identified Abhishek Sharma as the key player who could decisively influence the outcome of the match. Speaking before the Group A encounter scheduled for February 7, Milind said the Indian batter has the ability to “turn the match alone,” underlining the challenge India’s top order poses to opposition teams.
Abhishek Sharma, 25, is currently ranked the world’s number one T20I batter and has emerged as one of India’s most consistent performers in the format. In 38 T20I matches, he has scored 1,297 runs, including two centuries and eight half-centuries. His recent form has further strengthened his reputation, with the left-hander finishing as the third-highest run-scorer in India’s 4–1 T20I series win over New Zealand, where he amassed 182 runs with two fifties.
Milind Kumar, who represents the USA, acknowledged Abhishek’s impact while discussing preparations for the high-profile fixture. The USA batter said India’s depth and firepower make them formidable opponents but singled out Abhishek as the player his team would need to plan for most carefully. India enters the tournament as defending champions and is widely regarded as one of the favorites to lift the title again.
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The upcoming match also carries personal significance for Milind, who previously played domestic cricket in India for Delhi and Sikkim and was associated with IPL franchises Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After retiring from Indian cricket in 2021, he moved to the United States and has since become a key member of the national setup. He was part of the USA squad in the previous T20 World Cup but did not get a game.
India is placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, the USA, and archrivals Pakistan. After opening their campaign against the USA on February 7, the Men in Blue will face Namibia on February 12, as both teams look to build early momentum in the tournament.
Also Read: India Choose to Bat First, Ishan Kishan Opens vs South Africa Warm-Up
