India Star 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