IND vs NZ 2026: ‘Even Chris Gayle played smart cricket’ – Former India batter compares Abhishek Sharma to Caribbean legend

Chris Gayle and Abhishek Sharma. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Chris Gayle was one of the most destructive batters of his era. When in form, the left-handed batter could thrash the best bowling attacks in world cricket with nonchalance. The former West Indies batter is the leading run-getter in T20 cricket, having amassed 14,562 runs in 463 matches at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 144.75.

In the current era, Abhishek Sharma is one batter who has been similarly unstoppable to bowl to when he is firing on all cylinders. The Punjab batter has a mind-boggling strike rate of 195.22, having played 36 T20Is.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif said that Gayle used to bide his time at the start of the innings before wreaking havoc. On the other hand, Abhishek prefers to hit the ground running. Kaif stated that batters who go after the bowling from ball one are usually inconsistent, but Abhishek is different. The cricketer-turned-commentator went on to call the 25-year-old a match-winner.

“Usually, players who play like him are not consistent. I’ve seen many big-name players like this. Chris Gayle, who used to play in a similar way, always going for the big shots. But even Chris Gayle played smart cricket. Gayle also used to play maiden overs. He would play the first over carefully, especially on pitches like Bangalore where there was early help, and then accelerate,” Kaif said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“Abhishek Sharma has surpassed that. He doesn’t need to settle his eyes, he attacks straight away. So you can’t praise him enough. Batters like this are usually inconsistent. One good innings, then a few failures. But look at Abhishek’s style. He proves himself in every match. Even if he faces just 12–14 balls, he scores 60–70 runs. That makes him a match-winner. If Abhishek Sharma is on, India are almost certain to win,” he added.

Abhishek is the second-highest run-getter in the ongoing five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand. The opening batter has slammed 152 runs in three innings at an average of 76 and a strike rate of 271.43. India have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead with two games left to be played.

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