‘Don’t compare him with Virender Sehwag’: Sourav Ganguly takes swipe at Abhishek Sharma

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has hailed opener Abhishek Sharma as a very special cricketer who can be roped into the 50-over format for India and can also go on to play Test cricket. However, he also named two other cricketers who are more than capable of being all-format cricketers for India.

India have been the absolute rockstar in the shortest format of the game, and Abhishek Sharma has been one of the reasons. Ever since former skipper Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format, Abhishek Sharma replaced him and carried his legacy with some grace.

Having played in 43 T20Is for India, the left-handed batting maestro has amassed 1367 runs at an average of 34.17 and a whopping strike rate of 190.92. Abhishek Sharma is currently one of the most destructive white-ball openers in the world. He has 2 centuries and nine half-centuries in T20Is alone.

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I am sure he [Abhishek Sharma] will get tracked into the 50-over format - Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly recently made a massive claim on the future of Abhishek Sharma and his prospects in Indian cricket. Abhishek, who is currently a part of only the T20I setup for India, is expected to be drafted into the 50-over format someday as well.

"He is a very good player. I like what I see of him. I am sure he [Abhishek Sharma] will get tracked into the 50-over format. He is an absolute match-winner," he said in an interview on 'Free Hit by LegaXy'.

There have been long speculations regarding the opening spot for Abhishek Sharma in the ODI team as well. Rohit Sharma is unlikely to continue much after the 2027 World Cup, and India would need a replacement, and Abhishek would be up for grabs alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Don't compare him with Sehwag - Sourav Ganguly

Though the former BCCI President was all praises for the young left-handed star from India and admitted to him being a dynamic talent, he asked that comparisons should not be immediately made with the legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag.

"Don't compare him with Sehwag. Sehwag is an absolute champion. But yes, Abhishek can play," said Ganguly on whether Abhishek could play Test cricket for India. Ganguly was one of the monumental figures behind Virender Sehwag breaking into the Indian playing XI, and it was he who promoted him to the top and handed his own opening spot to the explosive right-hander.

Virender Sehwag went on to be a true legend of the game and played all three formats for India. He was largely known to take down opposition bowlers with ease and was an aggressor by all means. Abhishek has often been compared to his standards due to his aggressive gameplay, though he is yet to be consistent like the former great.

They are spoilt for choice - Ganguly's tremendous backing for the young Indian batting duo

Abhishek Sharma has 2196 List A runs with four hundreds to his name; however, alongside him, Sourav Ganguly also cited young Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma as two more cricketers who could emerge as India's future all-format cricketers if they are given enough opportunities.

"I love Yashasvi Jaiswal. He's an all-format player. Some of these players, in spite of being so good, don't get opportunities," he said. Jaiswal made his ODI debut against South Africa last year and played three games, ending up scoring his maiden ODI century.

"Jaiswal can play all formats. He is an all-format player. Tilak can become an all-format player. They are all so good. They are spoilt for choice," he added, speaking highly of Tilak and admitting that they are cricketers who are caught up amid too many choices for India.

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