Washington Sundar thrown aside Saba Karim picks this Indian player as the best all-rounder vs Zimbabwe

Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim has backed the devastating opener Abhishek Sharma to open the innings in India's first T20I against Zimbabwe. The match will be played on June 6 (Saturday) in Harare.

Abhishek Sharma had a fantastic IPL season for Sunrisers Hyderabad just before the T20 World Cup 2024. In IPL 2024, the young left-hander scored 484 runs in 16 matches at an average of 32.26 and a blistering strike rate of 204.21. His fearlessness and the ability to score runs quickly at the top stood out in the tournament, which paved the way for the Indian team.

Also read: India Playing 11 vs Zimbabwe- 1st T20I, India Tour Of Zimbabwe 2024

Saba Karim backs Abhishek Sharma for the opening slot

During a press interaction for Sony Sports, Saba Karim claimed that Abhishek Sharma should open the innings as he is suited for that spot. Alongside Abhishek's abilities with the bat, he is a useful spin bowler as well and he can be the crucial allrounder that India is looking for.

“I think he's not only so prolific with the bat, but I think he's a handy left-arm spin bowler. So he brings to the table that all-rounder the slot also, which is so good for him. And if he has to get an opportunity, then I think he ideally is suited to open the innings and then roll his arm over for maybe one or two overs, which will be so crucial for India,” Saba Karim said.

Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head formed a devastating opening pair for Sunrisers Hyderabad this IPL season and gave their team some flying starts. Both were in prolific form this season and were able to create a sense of fear among the opposition's bowlers with their aggressive strokeplay.

Along with scoring aggressively at the top, Abhishek Sharma also picked up 2 wickets in IPL 2024. Both of his wickets came against Rajasthan Royals where he dismissed Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer. The pitch was spin-friendly and Abhishek was able to showcase his abilities with the ball as well.

It will be the team management's decision - Saba Karim on Abhishek Sharma's spot

Karim also added that the team management will decide to decide his spot but his best has always come when he has opened the innings, whether it's IPL or the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“About whether he will get that role or not, I think that's the way the team management thinks and I'm sure the selectors are also looking at him. If he has to play, as I said, I think the opening slot is perfect for him because he has excelled and he has grown as a player. There's more maturity in him," Karim mentioned.

"He did well for Sunrisers. Even before that, he led Punjab in the Mushtaq Ali T20 which they won last season. So one can see those qualities in Abhishek Sharma,” the former India wicketkeeper added.

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023, Abhishek Sharma was the highest run-scorer of the tournament with 485 runs in 10 matches at an average of 48.50 and an outstanding strike rate of 192.46. The 23-year-old youngster played a crucial role in Punjab's title win and also scored two centuries and three half-centuries on his way.