ZIM vs IND 2024: Abhishek Sharma has worked very hard: Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif reckons Abhishek Sharma has worked really hard. Sharma received his maiden India call-up after impressive performances in the Indian Premier League 2024 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The left-hander scored 484 runs in 16 matches of the tournament at an average of 32.27 and a blistering strike rate of 204.22, which was the best among the top 15 run-getters of the competition. Thus, the southpaw from Punjab played a key role in taking the Orange Army to the final of the lucrative tourney.

Sharma made a potent alliance with Australian batter Travis Head as both left-handers took the opposition to the cleaners in IPL 2024. SRH were able to post totals in excess of 250 and both the batters played a key role in the team’s success.

“Very excited to see this young man in India colours soon. Has worked very hard with @yuvisofficial in the past few years. All the best, @abhisheksharma_4,” Kaif wrote on his Instagram account while sharing a picture with Abhishek Sharma and his former teammate Yuvraj Singh.

It is well known that Yuvraj Singh has been a mentor for Abhishek Sharma since the early days and has helped the youngster rise through the ranks.

Sharma will look to grab his opportunity with both hands and it will be interesting to note if he gets a place in the playing XI as Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad are part of the team as well. 

The first T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Saturday.

India’s squad for 1st and 2nd T20Is vs Zimbabwe

Shubman Gill (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana