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IPL Knock Sparks T20 World Cup Talk: Abhishek Sharma’s Exploits Earn Harbhajan Singh’s Praise

Abhishek Sharma’s Blazing Knock

• The Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma, played a pivotal role in his team’s record-breaking chase against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024.
• Sharma smashed a quickfire 75 off just 28 balls, forming a destructive 167-run opening partnership with Travis Head.
• Their dominant display helped SRH chase down a target of 166 in a mere 9.4 overs.

Harbhajan Singh Calls for World Cup Inclusion

What the hell just happened in Hyd 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 #Travishead & @IamAbhiSharma4 Hitting sixes like taking singles. Chased 165 in 9.4 overs . Should Team India include Abhishek in the bench strenth ?? @IPL @BCCI @SunRisers 💥

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 8, 2024

• Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was left awestruck by Sharma’s performance.
• He took to social media to question whether it’s too late to include Sharma in India’s T20 World Cup squad, at least as a reserve.
• Singh echoed the sentiments of many fans who believe Sharma deserves a place in the national team.

Abhishek Sharma is Dominating IPL 2024 Season

• This knock wasn’t an isolated incident for Sharma. He has enjoyed a breakout season in IPL 2024.
• He currently sits at the top of the six-hitting leaderboard with 35 maximums in just 11 matches.
• Alongside his partner Head, Sharma forms one of the most destructive opening pairs in IPL history, with both boasting a strike rate exceeding 200.

Despite Strong Performance, No World Cup Spot for Abhishek Sharma

• Despite his impressive IPL showing, Sharma wasn’t included in India’s main 15-man T20 World Cup squad.
• Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were picked as the preferred top-order options.
• Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh were named as batting reserves.

Experts Believe – Abhishek Sharma’s Call-Up is Imminent

• Although he missed out on initial selection, experts and former cricketers believe Sharma will be part of the Indian T20I setup soon.
• The T20 World Cup in June is seen as a potential turning point for his international career.

Current Indian Squad and Reserves

• Current Indian T20 World Cup squad:
  • Main squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
  • Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.

Squad Change Window

• Teams have the option to modify their squads until May 23rd without informing the ICC Technical Committee.