‘Just like I used to’ - Virender Sehwag hails Abhishek Sharma ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has drawn a parallel between his own batting style and the fearless approach of Abhishek Sharma, spotlighting the young left-hander as one of India’s most dangerous weapons ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

An era-defining opener himself, Sehwag said Abhishek’s swagger in the powerplay, particularly his ability to take on quick bowlers from the first ball, brought back memories of his own batting at the top of the order for India.

The Delhi batter also praised returning Ishan Kishan, while he named Varun Chakravarthy as India’s game-changer with the ball.

"It depends on the day, but I feel that Abhishek Sharma, if he fires and the way he plays, he will give a strong start to Team India just like I used to. Ishan Kishan scored a hundred against New Zealand with some destructive batting, and I had a lot of fun watching it. If I have to pick someone from the bowlers, it has to be Varun Chakaravarthy," Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

The former India batter’s praise came as Abhishek has been in explosive form, smashing bowlers all over the park in recent T20 outings. Abhishek currently is the No.1 T20I batter.

When Sehwag gave Abhishek Sharma a valuable batting lesson

Abhishek had demolished Pakistan in the Super Four encounter in the Asia Cup 2025, scoring 74 runs off just 39 balls. Following the victory, Abhishek and Sehwag interacted, with the legendary opener giving the young batter a valuable lesson.

"Whenever you reach 70, don't miss out on 100 because Sunil Gavaskar said to me - when you retire, you'll remember the innings where you got out on 70 or 80. If you convert those, maybe your career will have more hundreds because these opportunities don't come again and again. When you're batting well, on your day, try to go not out - it's better," Sehwag had advised.

Abhishek has been a face of India’s ultra-aggressive batting approach in T20Is, especially under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching. He has scored 1297 runs for India in the shortest format, with an astonishing strike rate of 194.74, with two centuries to his name.