Abhishek Sharma has emerged as one of the standout performers of IPL 2024, garnering a lot of attention with his impressive strike rate as wall as his six-hitting ability. Currently the second highest scorer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad side with 288 runs in eight games, the 23-year-old is in contention to win the emerging player of the season award. However, Yuvraj Singh, who has worked closely with him, feels the young left-hander from Punjab requires to mature a little before he can be deemed ready for international selection.
"Abhishek is almost there but I don't think he is ready for the World Cup right now," India's white ball legend told Cricbuzz. His comments come ahead of Indian team selection for the World Cup, in June in the US and West Indies.
"For the World Cup, we have to take an experienced side. Obviously some guys have played for India. After the World Cup, he should be prepared to play for India. That is what he should focus on. Coming six months will be very important for Abhishek," Yuvraj said.
Yuvraj was impressed with Abhishek's ability to strike the ball efficiently and maintain a healthy strike rate (218.18). However, the former Indian cricketer believes that for Abhishek to truly make his mark, he needs to deliver a couple of big scores. "His performance definitely is better. His strike rate has been phenomenal but big scores haven't come. With this kind of strike rate, it's important that you get big scores if you want to compete for a spot to play for India. Great strike rates, yes, but there have to be a couple of big knocks to make sure that you are worthwhile to play for India."
Abhishek has smashed more sixes than fours (26: 21) in the eight games he has played. His shots over long-on and mid-wicket have been impressive but Yuvraj wants him to master the art of strike rotation and learn how to play out a good bowler. "He has the ability to play big shots, the big sixes which he has been hitting are very good, but I think he has to learn to take singles and know how to rotate strike. He has to learn play out the bowlers who are bowling well and target other bowlers. I think work has to be done on that aspect," Yuvraj said.
Yuvraj has devoted a considerable amount of time to fine-tune Abhishek's batting, particularly his technique. The young player had encountered challenges with short balls, prompting them to address the aspect. Yuvraj aimed to instill in Abhishek the confidence to confront short balls without fear. As players aspire to transition from domestic to international cricket, Yuvraj's mantra has been that the youngsters should have the belief that 'I can play bowlers in international cricket.'
Yuvraj says Abhishek has a good opportunity to learn from Australian star Travis Head, his opener at SRH, particularly the art of converting good starts into big knocks. "He is definitely getting a lot of confidence from Travis Head. Travis is a world class player right now. He got a hundred in the World Cup final, he is a big match player. Abhishek has the opportunity to learn how to convert a good start into a big knock. That is what he has to learn from him."