Following India’s dominant Asia Cup campaign, Pakistan’s fiery pacer, Ihsanullah, has issued a striking challenge to Indian batting sensation Abhishek Sharma. Sharma, the 25-year-old Punjab-born batter, was a pivotal force behind India’s continental triumph, amassing an impressive 314 runs in seven matches with a blistering strike rate approaching 200.
Despite Sharma’s stellar form and his status as a top batter, Ihsanullah, renowned for his express pace, including a 152.65 kmph delivery in the 2023 Pakistan Super League, is confident he can unsettle the left-hander.
“If I get to play against India, I will dismiss Abhishek Sharma in 3–6 balls,” Ihsanullah boldly declared in a viral video, igniting a fervent debate among cricket enthusiasts. The fast bowler, who has previously represented Pakistan in T20Is and an ODI before an injury hiatus, elaborated on his strategy: “My 140 (kmph) will feel like 160 to him. He won’t be able to judge them. To left-handers, I bowl inswingers, and he has struggled against such balls — that’s why I am saying. I target the right shoulder of left-handed batters with my bouncers. And my bouncers are very effective.”
Ihsanullah’s confident claims coincide with Abhishek Sharma’s remarkable ascent in international cricket. The Sunrisers Hyderabad star has been in exceptional touch, not only registering three half-centuries in the Asia Cup but also maintaining a prolific T20I season with 593 runs at an average of 49.41 and a staggering strike rate of 208.80 across 12 matches. His consistent brilliance has earned him accolades from legendary cricketers.
Former West Indies maestro Brian Lara, who previously mentored Abhishek as a batting coach during the IPL, heaped praise on the young talent, stating, “He is an amazing young player… something very special. Yuvraj Singh had a big influence on him, his bat speed, the way he hits through the ball… Even though he’s having success in T20 cricket and maybe even the 50-over format, he still wants to break into the Test team, which is great. It’s great to see him improve and go to a different level.”
As India gears up for a five-match T20I series against Australia, commencing October 29, all eyes will undoubtedly be on India’s dynamic new batting sensation and the potential for him to face formidable challenges like the one posed by Ihsanullah.