Cricket fans, get ready—because a new superstar might just be about to light up the T20 World Cup. In a stunning show of confidence, two of the game’s most respected voices—former India head coach Ravi Shastri and England legend Kevin Pietersen—have thrown their full weight behind 24-year-old Abhishek Sharma as the catalyst for India’s championship hopes .
Shastri didn’t mince words: “If he takes off, India take off.” That’s not just praise—it’s a bold prediction that places immense faith in a player who’s still carving his name into the international spotlight. And Pietersen? He called Abhishek a “proper star,” comparing his impact potential to South Africa’s own teenage sensation, Dewald Brevis .
So, who is Abhishek Sharma? And why are global icons betting big on him to dominate the biggest stage in T20 cricket?
Table of Contents
- The Meteoric Rise of Abhishek Sharma
- Why Shastri and Pietersen Believe in Him
- His Potential Role in India’s T20 World Cup Campaign
- Abhishek vs. Other Young Guns: Brevis, Jaiswal, and More
- Can He Handle the Hype and Pressure?
- Conclusion: The Making of a T20 World Cup Hero?
- Sources
The Meteoric Rise of Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma isn’t an overnight sensation—but his journey has been anything but conventional. A left-handed batter with a penchant for launching sixes from ball one, he first grabbed headlines in the 2018 U-19 World Cup. But it was his IPL performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad that truly turned heads.
In IPL 2024 and 2025, Abhishek evolved from a promising youngster into a consistent match-winner. His ability to bat anywhere in the top four, combined with handy left-arm spin, makes him a rare dual-threat in modern T20 cricket. By the time he earned his India cap in early 2025, many felt it was long overdue.
What sets him apart isn’t just power—it’s temperament. In high-pressure chases or tricky powerplays, Abhishek shows a calmness that belies his age. [INTERNAL_LINK:ipl-2025-breakout-stars] This blend of aggression and composure is exactly what India needs in knockout games.
Why Shastri and Pietersen Believe in Him
Ravi Shastri, who guided India through some of its most dominant overseas campaigns, knows what it takes to win world titles. His endorsement carries serious weight. When he says, “If he takes off, India take off,” he’s not just talking about runs—he’s talking about momentum, energy, and psychological advantage.
Kevin Pietersen, known for his fearless strokeplay and big-match mentality, sees a kindred spirit in Abhishek. “He’s a proper star,” Pietersen remarked, highlighting not just skill but presence—the aura that changes how a team plays around him .
Both legends understand that in T20 cricket, one player can shift the entire dynamic of a tournament. Think Yuvraj Singh in 2007 or Hardik Pandya in 2022. Abhishek, they believe, has that same explosive potential.
His Potential Role in India’s T20 World Cup Campaign
India’s batting lineup for the T20 World Cup is already stacked—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant. So where does Abhishek fit in?
Analysts suggest three key roles:
- Powerplay Aggressor: Opening with Rohit to maximize field restrictions and unsettle bowlers early.
- No. 3 Stabilizer-Accelerator: Walking in after an early wicket to rebuild while keeping the run rate healthy—a role Suryakumar often fills, but one Abhishek could rotate into.
- Wildcard Finisher: Batting at No. 5 or 6 in slower conditions, using his spin to break partnerships and his power to clear boundaries in the death overs.
His bowling adds another layer. In subcontinental conditions, his slow left-arm orthodox could be crucial against right-hand-heavy lineups like Australia or England. This versatility makes him far more than just a batsman—he’s a tactical Swiss Army knife.
Abhishek vs. Other Young Guns: Brevis, Jaiswal, and More
Kevin Pietersen also praised South Africa’s Dewald Brevis as a “proper impact player” for the tournament . At just 21, Brevis has already shown he can dominate international attacks with brutal efficiency.
But while Brevis thrives in the middle order, Abhishek’s value lies in his adaptability. Compare him to India’s own Yashasvi Jaiswal—a brilliant opener, but less versatile with the ball. Or to Pakistan’s Irfan Khan Niazi, another rising star, but without Abhishek’s proven IPL pedigree under pressure.
According to ESPNcricinfo’s form index, Abhishek ranked among the top 5 all-round performers in T20 leagues globally in 2025 . That data-backed consistency gives him an edge over pure flash-in-the-pan talents.
Can He Handle the Hype and Pressure?
Being labeled a “secret weapon” comes with intense scrutiny. One failure in a high-stakes game could lead to criticism, especially in a cricket-crazy nation like India.
But history shows that players who thrive in the IPL often translate that confidence to the international stage. Remember KL Rahul in 2016 or even Hardik Pandya in 2017? The IPL is the ultimate pressure cooker—and Abhishek has passed every test so far.
More importantly, he’s surrounded by veterans who’ve been there before. With Rohit as captain and Shastri’s public backing, the environment is ripe for him to flourish without being crushed by expectation.
Conclusion: The Making of a T20 World Cup Hero?
The T20 World Cup isn’t won by teams alone—it’s often decided by one transcendent performance from an unexpected source. Ravi Shastri and Kevin Pietersen aren’t just complimenting Abhishek Sharma; they’re identifying him as that potential spark.
If he delivers, India doesn’t just win matches—they ignite a wave of momentum that could carry them all the way to the trophy. And if he falters? Well, that’s cricket. But given his talent, temperament, and timing, the odds are leaning in his favor. Keep your eyes on Abhishek Sharma—he might just be the story of the tournament.