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Virender Sehwag redefined the role of an opener in Test cricket with his aggressive and fearless approach. In an era dominated by patient batting, Sehwag’s ability to dominate world-class bowlers from the first ball made him one of the most destructive batsmen in red-ball cricket. His strike rate of over 80 in Tests was unheard of for an opener, and his ability to score massive runs at a rapid pace set him apart.
Finding a player of Sehwag’s caliber has been a challenge for Indian cricket. While several batters have tried to replicate his style, very few have managed to match his consistency and impact. His quick starts provided India with a significant edge, often putting the opposition under pressure early in the game. Given the modern-day emphasis on controlled aggression, having a player with Sehwag’s fearless mindset could be a game-changer for the Indian Test team.
Harbhajan Singh names the next Virender Sehwag of Indian cricket
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that Abhishek Sharma could be the next player to bring Sehwag’s style to Test cricket. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan compared Abhishek’s aggressive batting to that of Sehwag, Sir Vivian Richards, and Travis Head, stating that the young batter has the potential to change the course of a match in a single session.
“Maybe soon we will see Abhishek Sharma participating in the Test team as well. He can thrash bowlers in this format as well. He is also the captain of Punjab in the Ranji Trophy. When it is his day, he single-handedly wins the match. Like Travis Head does. Like Virender Sehwag and Sir Viv Richards used to do. Such players take the team forward rapidly. Soon he will get a chance in Test cricket as well. Test cricket always needs a batsman like Sehwag, who turns the match around by playing a quick innings as soon as he comes in. Abhishek Sharma can do just that,” said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel.
Also READ: Harbhajan Singh names India’s future Top 3 in white-ball cricket
Not impressive numbers in First-Class cricket
Despite Harbhajan’s high praise, Abhishek Sharma’s First-Class record does not yet reflect the dominance associated with players like Sehwag. In 24 matches, he has scored 1071 runs at an average of 30.60, with just one century and five half-centuries to his name.
His numbers indicate that he is yet to establish himself as a reliable red-ball player. However, given his aggressive stroke play and natural ability to take on bowlers, there is still hope that he can develop into a game-changing Test batter if given the right opportunities.
