"Hazlewood will be out of form" - Abhishek Nayar's huge take on Team India star ahead of AUS vs IND 2025 1st T20

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar backed opener Abhishek Sharma to do well in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia. He feels that Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood could struggle if the swashbuckling batter gets going.

Nayar noted that Sharma has the habit of playing attacking shots right from the word go. He suggested that the southpaw could put India in a commanding position in the powerplay itself.

It is worth noting that Hazlewood won't take part in the last three T20Is of the series. He will be released from the squad after the first two fixtures to play Sheffield Shield cricket ahead of Ashes 2025-26.

Speaking about Sharma's attacking brand of cricket, Nayar said on Star Sports:

"If Abhishek Sharma is in form, Hazlewood will be out of form. The way he bats, he is known to hit the first ball for a four or a six. If you instil fear in the powerplay, it continues throughout the innings. That's Abhishek Sharma's impact on the game. If he bats six overs, India will score between 60 to 80. It will ease the pressure for his batting partner, while it will increase for the opposition."

This will be Sharma's first T20I series in Australia. He comes into the tour following a brilliant Asia Cup 2025 campaign. The left-handed batter was the Player of the Tournament in the Men in Blue's title-winning campaign, amassing 314 runs across seven innings at a strike rate of 200.

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"It will be a big test for him" - Abhishek Nayar on Abhishek Sharma's mini-battle against Josh Hazlewood in AUS vs IND 2025 T20Is

Abhishek Nayar stated that facing an in-form Josh Hazlewood will be a big challenge for Abhishek Sharma. However, he believes the 25-year-old now has enough experience under his belt.

The cricketer-turned-coach opined that Sharma will be keen to make a name for himself by performing well on Australian soil. He added during the same discussion:

"It will be a big test for him, especially against Hazlewood, who is in good rhythm and extracting extra bounce. However, I feel that he has got enough experience by playing in the IPL and in South Africa.

"He has a fearless mindset and will want to make a name for himself in Australia. This is a good chance for him, as it is very satisfying to earn respect in Australia. From how much I know of him, he would want to make a name for himself here."

The first T20I series opener will be played in Canberra on Wednesday, October 29.