India need openers like Abhishek Sharma who bats at 150-200+ strike rate: Manoj Tiwary names Rohit Sharma's replacement

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has heaped praises on Indian batter Abhishek Sharma who recently slammed a T20I century against Zimbabwe. Manoj Tiwary feels India needs openers like Abhishek Sharma who can smack runs at 150-200 plus strike rate.

Abhishek Sharma made his international debut in the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe. The left-handed batsman shattered a century off 47 runs with 7 fours and 8 sixes. At a stunning strike rate of 212+, he slammed the T20I ton in his second-ever international game itself.

He got out for a four-ball duck in the first game. His century helped Team India to make a strong comeback in the match and defeat Zimbabwe in the 2nd T20I to level the series 1-0.

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Abhishek Sharma has surprised everyone: Manoj Tiwary

During a chat with Cricbuzz, former batter Manoj Tiwary hailed Abhishek Sharma for his fantastic knock in India vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I. According to Tiwary, Team India needs batsmen like Abhishek Sharma who can smack runs at 200+ strike rate as openers.

"We see that opening slots, salami (opening) batsmen are overseas. But he (Abhishek Sharma) has come up like this and surprised everyone. And if someone is giving a start above 200+ strike rate, then what else does a team need? And this is what is needed", said Tiwary, who is widely known for stopping the infamous Virat-Gambhir fight in IPL.

"Because in the coming days in this format, you need opening batsmen who can play at a strike rate of 150-200 and capitalize on the 6 overs field restriction", he further added.

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill are like Yuvi's sons: Tiwary

Interestingly, former Indian legend Yuvraj Singh has been a big supporter of Abhishek Sharma since the start and has also guided him on several occasions. Even Sharma considered Yuvraj as his mentor and the latter has openly supported him on social media after brilliant knocks.

"He and Shubman Gill are the like two sons of Yuvi Paji (Yuvraj Singh). We see them as his sons. Everyone wants their son to have the most skilled part and experience in life as a father", the Bengal-born cricketer further said.

"So they share it with their son and try to prepare him. So I think Abhishek Sharma and Subhman Gill, they have worked very hard on both of them", concluded the 38-year-old.

India needs a powerful opener to replace Rohit Sharma

Notably, after Rohit Sharma's ouster from T20Is, selectors are looking for a similar replacement. Abhishek Sharma impressed fans with his spectacular batting shows in IPL 2024 for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

With his quickfire knocks with partner in crime Travis Head, Sharma helped SRH to reach the final against Kolkata Knight Riders. Also, SRH broke the record for the top-ever team totals twice during the tournament with the help of hard-hitting openers Sharma-Travis pair.

After his stunning batting show against Zimbabwe, he is being looked at as a good replacement for Rohit Sharma, who recently led the Indian team to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The next T20I World Cup will take place in India in 2026 and will be hosted by India.