Ex-India Star Shuts Down Abhishek Sharma Critics With "Best Opener" Verdict: 'They Are Scared'

Dinesh Karthik said Abhishek Sharma often inflicts significant damage before being dismissed.© BCCI

Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has slammed Abhishek Sharma's critics after the star opener smashed 113 off just 38 balls in the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday. Karthik dismissed the notion that the southpaw struggles against off-spinners, highlighting his ability to score quickly and put the opposition under pressure early in the innings. Reacting to the criticism directed at Abhishek, Karthik acknowledged that teams continue to target him with off-spin. However, he stressed that the youngster often inflicts significant damage before being dismissed.

"Now, if Abhishek is getting out to off-spinners after scoring 30 off 12 balls or 30 off 10 balls, whatever he's doing is okay. That's point number two. If he's getting out in the first couple of balls because he doesn't know which way the ball is turning or because his technique is a problem, then it's a point of discussion. But if he's taking the attack to bowlers, putting them under pressure and eventually getting out to an off-spinner, that's his job. That's what he does. He's still doing it and remains the No. 1-ranked T20I opener in the world," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Karthik cited an example from the third T20I, where Abhishek took off-spinner Michael Bracewell apart for 15 runs off four balls, rejecting the notion that he is ineffective against off-spin.

"I don't think it's a problem. We're looking at it as a talking point because he's getting out to a similar type of bowler, but the fact is he's creating enough damage before that happens. Teams have often tried opening with off-spinners against him, only to see them get hit for 20-plus runs in no time. They're scared to do it as well. We saw Michael Bracewell bowl in the third over today. That over went 4, 6, 4, 1. That's 15 runs off four balls. For a guy who's supposedly weak against off-spin, that's how he's starting against them. You'll take that any day," he added.

Karthik also praised Abhishek for his ability to provide the team with explosive starts regardless of the conditions. He labelled Abhishek the best opener in the format, citing the left-hander's consistent performances for both India and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.

"Honestly, I don't think we should even be discussing this as a major issue. It's simply a fact that he gets out to off-spin sometimes. There's nothing to worry about. If he didn't face off-spinners and only played pacers, he'd eventually get out four or five times to pace as well. That's not how you judge a player of his calibre or the impact he's having. He's exceedingly special and he's not doing it over a short period of time. He's been doing it consistently, whether for Sunrisers Hyderabad or for India, and he's right at the top of the rankings. To maintain that strike rate and intent across different nations and conditions is remarkable.

"Even in Australia, on some very challenging pitches with big boundaries, he gave India flying starts. I'm talking about venues like Melbourne, where batting wasn't easy. He still got India off to great starts. For me, he has been the best opener in the world for some time now, and he's shown that consistently," he concluded.

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