New Delhi, Feb 14 (.) Former India cricket great Kapil Dev has praised India opener Abhishek Sharma for his ability to hit big shots from the first ball itself.
Speaking to the press at the DP World Players Championship 2026 in Qutab Golf course on Friday evening, he said:
“If you can hit the first ball for a six, then why not? You need great ability for that. If he can do it for two years, three years, we will say what a great player he is.”
He however cautioned Abhishek that he needs to keep evolving so that he is one step ahead of the bowlers
“The first year he can come through with talent. Maybe two years. But the bowlers too are planning for the batsmen all the while. The third year will be most important how he manages himself.”
Abhishek Sharma made his India debut in 2024. In 39 T20 International matches for India he has scored 1,297 runs at an average of 36, and his strike rate stands at 136. In these 39 matches, he has hit as many as 123 boundaries and 88 sixes.
Kapil Dev, who is a keen golfer and President of Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) said he is very happy with the growth of cricket in the country, but feels that other sports also must get full support
“Cricket is doing well- that is the good part. The bad part is that cricket is not the only sport. We should look after all the sports. Cricket has given me everything. Still, I want that we need to promote other sports as well. We should not look at the government for everything, and take responsibility as to what we can contribute.”
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