Abhishek Sharma captured attention with a remarkable performance against England in the fifth T20I, leading India to an astonishing 150-run victory at Wankhede Stadium. He struck seven fours and an impressive 13 sixes, amassing 135 runs off just 54 balls. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his belief that the 24-year-old has the potential to become a regular player across all formats, including Test cricket.

Harbhajan anticipates a future where Abhishek, along with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, could constitute India's top three batsmen in every format. “I eagerly await the time when they will form India's top three. It promises to be an exceptional batting lineup, and that moment is not far off. Perhaps in about six months, we will witness these three consistently representing India in white-ball cricket,” Harbhajan remarked.

“Furthermore, we may also see him excelling in the Test team. He possesses the ability to dominate in that format as well. He is the captain of Punjab in the Ranji Trophy,” he added.

To date, Abhishek has accumulated 1,071 runs in 24 first-class matches, averaging 30.60, with one century and five half-centuries to his name. Harbhajan noted that an aggressive player like Abhishek could thrive in Test cricket, similar to how Travis Head has succeeded, or how legends like Virender Sehwag and Viv Richards performed in the past.

“On his best days, he can completely change the course of the game. Travis Head does it, Virender Sehwag did it, and Viv Richards was known for it. Such players are essential for advancing the game. His opportunity in Test cricket will come, whether today or tomorrow. A player of Sehwag's calibre is always needed in Test cricket—someone who can come in, dominate, and shift the momentum. Abhishek Sharma has the potential to be that player,” Harbhajan concluded.

Abhishek Sharma re-establishes his place in the Indian squad

Abhishek's position in the team had been scrutinized before the commencement of the series. Although he had achieved a century against Zimbabwe in only his second T20I, he had only managed to secure one half-century in nine innings leading up to the first T20I against England at Eden Gardens. He commenced this series with an impressive performance, scoring 79 runs off 34 balls in Kolkata, which significantly contributed to India's commanding seven-wicket victory.

Subsequently, however, he recorded scores of 12, 24, and 29 before achieving a century at the Wankhede Stadium. "I understand that whenever it is my day, I will seize the opportunity, even if it is just the first ball of the match. Fortunately, today was my day, and I am very grateful," he expressed in a video on the BCCI's website.

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