'He’ll be out of form' - India coach fires huge 'Abhishek Sharma' warning to Josh Hazlewood

Former Team India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said that young opener Abhishek Sharma can trouble Australia’s premier pacer Josh Hazlewood in the upcoming five-match T20I series. Nayar added that if Sharma is in form, he has the ability to completely shift the momentum in the Indian team's favor.

Josh Hazlewood consistently troubled India’s top order throughout the recent three-match ODI series. The right-arm pace bowler made use of the bounce and pace on the Perth and Adelaide pitches. He maintained relentless pressure on the visiting team in the second ODI despite finishing without a wicket.

Josh Hazlewood Will Be Out of Form - Abhishek Nayar

Speaking on Star Sports, Abhishek Nayar said that Abhishek Sharma’s fearless batting style can unsettle even top bowlers like Josh Hazlewood. Nayar stated that Sharma sets the tone early and puts pressure on the opposition.

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"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," Nayar said on Star Sports.

"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," he added.

It Will Be a Big Test for Him Against Josh Hazlewood - Abhishek Nayar

Abhishek Nayar stated that facing an in-form Josh Hazlewood in Australian conditions will be a major challenge for Abhishek Sharma. He said that Sharma has gained valuable experience through the IPL and tours of South Africa, which will help him handle the pressure.

"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," Nayar added during the same discussion.

"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."

First T20I Between India and Australia Set to Begin on Wednesday

The five-match T20I series between India and Australia will begin in Canberra on Wednesday, October 29. Josh Hazlewood will miss the final three games, as the pacer is set to rejoin his state side for Sheffield Shield duties in preparation for the 2025–26 Ashes.

Abhishek Sharma will feature in his first T20I series on Australian soil. He will enter the tour following his stellar Asia Cup 2025 campaign. The southpaw was named Player of the Tournament for scoring 314 runs at a strike rate of 200.

Sharma has scored 849 runs in 24 T20Is at a remarkable strike rate of 196.07. He had disappointing outings in the recent Australia A series, with scores of 0 and 22. The upcoming T20Is will give him an opportunity to make a strong statement.

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