"We have to see how Abhishek Sharma counters this" - Former India all-rounder's massive take ahead of IND vs SA 2025 1st T20I

Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that Abhishek Sharma could be targeted with bouncers right from the start of the innings, considering his tendency to start on a high note. The opening batter is in sublime form at the moment after a successful tour of Australia, followed by an equally eventful stint with Punjab in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) group stages.

Abhishek Sharma has earned a reputation for being ruthless against new ball bowlers, irrespective of the conditions. On several occasions, he has begun his innings with a boundary, earning the early burst of momentum for the team.

Irfan Pathan noted how the Proteas can use their tall pacers like Marco Jansen to contain Abhishek Sharma with the short ball early on, instead of going full and looking for movement.

"The flow with which he is batting, the strike rate with which he is batting like at 190-200, and averages close to 40, you won't find any other batter who is this consistent while playing in this style. South Africa might look to bowl outside off stump, or they might even go for the short ball in the first or the second ball of the innings itself. We have to see how Abhishek Sharma counters this." Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

The southpaw had dealt with the bounce-friendly conditions in Australia with relative ease as he ended up as the leading run-scorer with an average of 40.75. He was often dismissed after being deceived by the slower delivery by the pacers, but was not largely troubled by the short-pitched deliveries.

"It will be an opportunity for Abhishek Sharma to counter that and improve" - Irfan Pathan on how IND vs SA 2025 T20Is can be a learning experience

Irfan Pathan further stated that if South Africa devise a plan to restrict Abhishek Sharma, or exploit his weakness in any way, it presents itself as an avenue for him to work on that and be an even better batter than he already is.

"If something is being tried against Abhishek Sharma, that is better, because it will be an opportunity for Abhishek Sharma to counter that and improve. If South Africa try nothing new against him, then also it is fine, let it continue, he is batting really well anyway." Irfan Pathan said.

The first T20I between India and South Africa is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 9, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.