Tag: T20Is

  • India Star Abhishek Sharma Sent Warning, England T20Is “Final Opportunity” To Cement Future





    It is certainly a transitioning time for hosts India as they adjust to life without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who retired from the shortest format after the 2024 T20 WC victory. Abhishek Sharma is one of the few players on the shortlist of replacements but has failed to show consistency in his brief tenure with the national team. The left-handed top-order batter is known for his ability to hit all parts of the ground. This prowess was on full display when he scored a blistering century off 47 deliveries in the second T20I vs Zimbabwe in July 2024.

    Former India batter Aakash Chopra has acknowledged Sharma’s potential but believes he will need to be in full form in the five-match series against England, beginning on Wednesday at the Eden Gardens, if he wants to maintain his spot in the side.

    “Abhishek’s form has been a little up and down. In the beginning, in his second T20I, he scored a century against Zimbabwe. After that, a lot of promise, and a lot of potential, but not enough performance. So, I think for Abhishek Sharma, this is the final opportunity, and I really love the kid. I think if he does well, it will be a great thing. But these 5 matches—go ahead and live your life. Because in these matches, like Sanju has made his name in the last 3 matches, in the same way, Abhishek Sharma will have to do it. Or else, there will be a little change in time, and Jaiswal will come back,” said Chopra to Star Sports.

    Sharma has represented the national team in 12 T20Is and barring the century against Zimbabwe, he has managed to accumulate 156 in 11 games. Although his strike rate is promising at 171.81, his average is certainly a worry at 23.27.

    The Suryakumar Yadav-led team will be bolstered with the return of pace veteran Mohammed Shami ahead of the all-important Champions Trophy, scheduled to start next month. Shami last played for India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November 2023. On the other hand, pacer Mark Wood will make his return to the team for the first time since August. He will join Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton in England’s pace-attack as the visitors announced their playing XI for the series opener on Tuesday.

    India and England have faced each other 24 times in T20Is, with India holding a slight advantage with 13 wins to England’s 11. However, India have won five of the last seven T20I encounters between the two teams since 2021. Their last T20I clash occurred in the semi-finals of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, where India secured a memorable victory.

    The series will begin in Kolkata and then move to Chennai, Rajkot, Pune, and Mumbai for the remaining matches. The final T20I will take place in Mumbai on February 2.

    Chopra further went on to label the battle of heavyweights as a ‘bat-vs-bat contest.’

    “It’s going to be a bat-vs-bat contest. Because batting is a heavy-weight on both sides. If we look at the clash, it’s not a light-weight clash. It’s a heavy-weight clash, in which, if you hit a six, the other team can hit two. And it’s possible that if the pitch is right, both innings will be equal. The tempo can be set with the first match, and the other team will also look at it from the same perspective.

    “You’re also playing elevens. You’re also worried about batting. That’s why you play two-three proper bowlers; the rest are all-rounders. So, when both teams play the same type of cricket, almost a similar brand of cricket, then there should be a good clash. In my opinion, there should be a lot of runs,” he added.

    (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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    Indian star cricketer Abhishek Sharma has been sent a warning ahead of the upcoming T20I series against England, with selectors making it clear that this is his “final opportunity” to cement his future in the national team.

    The talented all-rounder has shown glimpses of his potential in the limited opportunities he has had so far, but has failed to consistently deliver the goods. With stiff competition for places in the Indian team, Sharma needs to make a strong impression in the upcoming series to secure his spot.

    The 21-year-old left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner has been on the fringes of the national team for a while now, but has struggled to make a mark in the chances he has been given. With the selectors keeping a close eye on his performances, Sharma will need to step up and deliver in the series against England.

    Sharma has the talent and potential to succeed at the highest level, but he needs to show more consistency and maturity in his performances. With the selectors running out of patience, the upcoming T20I series against England could be Sharma’s last chance to prove his worth and secure his spot in the Indian team.

    It remains to be seen whether Abhishek Sharma can rise to the occasion and make the most of this “final opportunity” to cement his future in Indian cricket. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can deliver when it matters the most.

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    India cricket, Abhishek Sharma, England T20Is, warning, final opportunity, cement future, cricket news, Indian cricketer, T20 series, sports update

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  • IND Vs ENG: Aakash Chopra highlights pressure on Abhishek Sharma ahead of England T20Is | Cricket News


    'Yashasvi Jaiswal won't let him breathe': Aakash Chopra highlights pressure on Abhishek Sharma ahead of England T20Is
    Abhishek Sharma (PTI Photo)

    NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has highlighted the pressure on Abhishek Sharma in the upcoming T20I series against England, which begins on Wednesday at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Chopra pointed out that while the Punjab opener has been given a vote of confidence, he is still “hanging by a thin thread,” with rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal breathing down his neck.

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    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra remarked, “Abhishek Sharma has been given a vote of confidence, which I liked, as he has been kept with the team. However, he was hanging by a thin thread. Let’s be fair, Yashasvi Jaiswal won’t let him breathe. He is breathing down his neck, and it’s absolutely right.”
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    Chopra also questioned whether Jaiswal should have been picked for the series, considering his current form and versatility, especially since he is unlikely to get a chance in the ODIs against England. “He is also a left-hander who plays similarly. He is a three-format player and is in form currently,” Chopra said, adding, “After some time, you might start thinking as an Indian fan that he won’t get a chance in ODIs as Shubman (Gill) and Rohit (Sharma) will open. If that happens, what cricket would he have played before the Champions Trophy? Only Ranji Trophy – that’s not a great story.”

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    The former cricketer emphasised that the upcoming series is a “massive opportunity” for Abhishek, who has had limited chances in the past. Chopra praised Abhishek’s century in Zimbabwe but added, “He hasn’t made the most of his opportunities thus far. The century he scored in Zimbabwe was excellent. Then he played one good knock in South Africa.”
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    Chopra pointed out that England’s seamers will likely target Abhishek’s struggles against short-pitched deliveries. “Short balls are troubling him, and short bowling will be done to him here also. Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson are there, and they are all going to bowl bouncers. Jamie Overton is also a tall bowler. So all of them will try to trouble you with short balls,” Chopra said, adding that Abhishek will need to find a way to deal with this challenge.
    With no third opener in the squad, Chopra believes Abhishek will likely get all five matches. However, he warned that things could change quickly in Indian cricket.

    Axar Patel hints at flexible middle-order ahead of England T20I series





    Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has pointed out the pressure on young all-rounder Abhishek Sharma ahead of the upcoming T20I series against England. Sharma, who has been in impressive form in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), is set to make his international debut in the series.

    Chopra highlighted the expectations surrounding Sharma, as he is seen as a potential match-winner for the Indian team in the T20 format. The 21-year-old has showcased his talent with both bat and ball, and is known for his aggressive style of play.

    However, Chopra also cautioned that the pressure of playing at the international level can be immense, especially against a strong team like England. He emphasized the need for Sharma to stay focused and not let the pressure get to him.

    As India prepares to take on England in a crucial T20I series, all eyes will be on Abhishek Sharma as he looks to make a mark on the international stage. Only time will tell if he can live up to the expectations and deliver when it matters the most.

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  • SunLive – Beachside venues prove a hit for Sri Lanka T20Is

    SunLive – Beachside venues prove a hit for Sri Lanka T20Is


    More full crowds are in store for the Blackcaps this home summer with tickets selling fast for the three-game KFC T20I series against Sri Lanka over the New Year period.

    Less than 200 tickets remain for the third T20I at Saxton Oval in Nelson on January 2nd, with the picturesque venue set to sell-out imminently.

    Strong crowds are also expected for the first two matches of the T20I series at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval on Saturday, December 28, and Monday, December 30.

    NZC Marketing manager Esther Lawrence said the Mount and Nelson were great locations for cricket during the holiday period.

    “We’ve seen for a few years now strong crowds when we bring the cricket to the beachside venues at this time of year,” said Lawrence.

    “The summer holiday vibes are a perfect combination with the cricket and we hope the fans enjoy their Backyard Social Club experience at Bay Oval and Saxton Oval.

    “It’s not a Kiwi summer without the cricket and we’re delighted the fans are getting out in their numbers to support our teams.”

    The Blackcaps have already experienced great support this summer with full houses on display for much of the Tegel Test series against England.

    Tickets are competitively priced at $35 for an adult and $10 for juniors with discounts for students, seniors, families and groups.

    Fans can purchase tickets online at tickets.nzc.nz and can receive a 15 percent discount on adult tickets by joining NZC’s free members club, Cricket Nation.



    The recent Sri Lanka T20I series held at beachside venues in the country has proven to be a massive hit among fans and players alike. The picturesque settings of the matches, combined with the electric atmosphere created by the passionate crowds, have made for a truly unforgettable cricketing experience.

    The matches played at venues such as Galle, Hambantota, and Pallekele have showcased the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s coastline while also providing a unique and exciting backdrop for the cricket action. The players have been thrilled to play in such stunning locations, and fans have flocked to the matches to soak up the sun, sand, and cricketing excitement.

    The success of the beachside T20I series has highlighted the potential for Sri Lanka to host more matches in unconventional and scenic locations, offering a new and exciting twist to the traditional cricketing experience. With the positive reception from both players and fans, it’s clear that beachside venues could become a popular choice for future cricket events in Sri Lanka.

    Overall, the SunLive – Beachside venues prove a hit for Sri Lanka T20Is has been a resounding success, showcasing the beauty of Sri Lanka’s coastline while providing an unforgettable cricketing experience for all involved.

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