“Only once besides that century, you have batted till the 3rd or 4th over” – Aakash Chopra on Abhishek Sharma’s poor form ahead of IND vs SA 3rd T20I

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has questioned Abhishek Sharma’s form in the ongoing four-match T20I series against South Africa. Sharma returned with scores of seven and four in the first two matches against the Proteas.

Meanwhile, the left-hander scored a 46-ball hundred against Zimbabwe but could not come up with consistent performances against Bangladesh in the home series.

The southpaw could only manage 35 runs in three matches against the Tigers at an average of 11.67. The 24-year-old from Punjab has scored 170 runs in nine10 T20Is at an average of 18.89 and he needs to deliver more consistent performances at the top of the order.

“We need to talk about Abhishek Sharma once again because only two matches are left now. It’s almost confirmed that Sanju Samson has taken one spot. Although he got out in the last match, he has scored two back-to-back centuries. The short ball problem Abhishek Sharma has, I feel he should leave that shot. You get out while trying to pull,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“You got out against Bangladesh in Hyderabad and you got out similarly even for the SunRisers Hyderabad. They are going to bowl bouncers as soon as they see you. So take a single off that ball and try to score runs towards third man. Give yourself a little time because the truth is that only once besides that century (against Zimbabwe), you have batted till the third or fourth over,” Chopra added.

The renowned commentator urged the young left-hander to make the most of his opportunities by taking his time as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are waiting in the wings.

“You are getting out in the first two overs itself, which means you are going too aggressive too soon, which may have worked in the past, but since it is not working now, give yourself a little time because if this time passes, it won’t come back,” he said.

The third T20I of the series between India and South Africa will be played at the SuperSport Park, Centurion on Wednesday.