“May even surpass him” - Wasim Jaffer makes big claim about Abhishek Sharma after NZ vs IND 2026 3rd T20I

Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes Abhishek Sharma is already close to matching legendary former batter Chris Gayle and could even surpass him. He made the remarks following India's third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27.

Chasing a target of 199, Abhishek and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (45 off 19 balls) wreaked havoc with a 133-run partnership off just 43 deliveries. Abhishek brought up his fourth T20I century in just 35 balls before finishing with a blistering 113 off 38 deliveries, including nine fours and 11 sixes. India went on to secure a comfortable six-wicket victory in 13.2 overs, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.

Speaking on his YouTube channel (Wasim Jaffer Official), the 48-year-old stated that Abhishek possesses exceptional six-hitting ability, is technically sound and has an impressive range of shots. Jaffer added that the left-hander has a bright future in T20 cricket and has already begun instilling fear in the minds of bowlers. He said:

“He can definitely do it, and I think he is very close to that level. Of course, Chris Gayle had a long and illustrious career, while Abhishek Sharma hasn't been around for that long. But I think Abhishek will certainly get close to him and may even surpass him because his six-hitting ability is outstanding. He is also technically very sound.

“It's not as if he just swings the bat wildly. He can hit over cover, play the pull shot, and if the bowlers pitch the ball up, he can hit it straight down the ground. So, he doesn't rely on just one area to score runs. Technically, he is very compact as well. I think this youngster will go a long way. In T20 cricket, he is already creating fear in the minds of bowlers, and I believe he will continue to do so in the future,” he added.

Abhishek now shares second place with Suryakumar Yadav on India's list of most T20I centuries, with four each, while Rohit Sharma leads the chart with five.

“Abhishek Sharma has reached a completely different level” - Wasim Jaffer on India opener

In the same discussion, Wasim Jaffer noted that Abhishek Sharma has added straight hitting to his game and is no longer reliant on scoring runs in just one area. Combined with his ability to dominate spin, this has taken the left-hander's game to a different level. Jaffer said:

“The off side was always his strength, as he would move away and play his shots in that direction. Now, he has started hitting the ball a little straighter as well. When teams target him, he also plays the pull shot, so he doesn't score all his runs in just one direction. We have often said that he is one of the best hitters of spin. When he is in his rhythm, he simply doesn't allow spinners to settle or bowl comfortably. Now, I feel Abhishek Sharma has reached a completely different level.”

Abhishek will next feature in the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Auckland on Friday, October 30.

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