"People want him to be dropped" - Former cricketer makes huge statement after Abhishek Sharma's 113 off 38 balls in NZ vs IND 2026 3rd T20I

Irfan Pathan lavished praise on Abhishek Sharma after the southpaw smashed 113 off 38 balls in the third T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand on Tuesday. He pointed out how certain fans are quick to target Abhishek after a few poor outings.

The former all-rounder emphasized that the opener is among the most dangerous batters in world cricket. He remarked that the team management knows that Abhishek is their top batter in T20 cricket and has backed him consistently.

The cricketer-turned-commentator said in his latest YouTube video:

"If anything goes wrong, even a little bit, people want him to be dropped. This happens especially on social media; I am not talking about the team management or selectors. They are very clear; they know that he is our number one player and performs whenever he gets a chance.

"You would remember the World Cup final. I had given a statement that I would still back him when he was not performing. He has done a wonderful job. He is the best and most fearless hitter in the world. The way he hits on the off side is unbelievable."

Abhishek Sharma's century came after he failed to convert his starts in the first two games, recording scores of 29 and 27. His blistering knock led to India making a mockery of New Zealand's 199-run target. The Men in Blue hunted down the total in just 13.2 overs to win by six wickets and take an unassailable 3-0 lead.

"That's why it is very difficult to bowl to him" - Irfan Pathan highlights Abhishek Sharma's strengths

Irfan Pathan opined that bowlers will continue struggling against Abhishek Sharma if they stick to just one line. He highlighted the hard-hitting batter's dominance on the off-side and reckoned that it would be tough to stop him unless it's a slow pitch.

He added in the same video:

"If you keep bowling the same line to him, allowing him to play on the off side, he won't spare you. That's why it is very difficult to bowl to him. If the pitch is not slow, or you don't change your lines again and again, it is difficult to survive. The century was a once-in-a-lifetime achievement because scoring a century on New Zealand soil is not a regular thing for an Indian player."

India and New Zealand will now square off at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30, in the fourth T20I of the series.

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