Abhishek Sharma’s explosive rise as India’s new T20 batting sensation has already caught global attention, and now Australian captain Mitchell Marsh has also acknowledged his impact ahead of the five-match T20I series, starting on October 29 in Canberra.
The young Indian opener, fresh off a phenomenal Asia Cup 2025 campaign where he hammered 314 runs at a staggering strike rate of 200, would be hoping to continue his red-hot form in the upcoming T20I series in Australia.
Abhishek is known for his fearless stroke play and ability to dominate from the first over, and his aggressive starts were instrumental in India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph. So far, the 25-year-old opener has scored 849 runs in just 24 T20Is at a magnificent strike rate of 196.07.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Mitchell Marsh admits Abhishek Sharma is a big threat for Australia
Australia, who pride themselves on their fiery pace and disciplined bowling attack, are now preparing to stop the storm that’s about to hit, and Mitchell Marsh acknowledged that Abhishek’s blistering form poses a serious threat, especially given his knack for taking on fast bowlers head-on.
The Australians have already experienced how destructive the left-handed batter can be, particularly from his exploits in the IPL, where he consistently dismantled their premier bowlers. Now, facing Abhishek on their home turf, Marsh admitted that they know the stakes are higher.
Mitchell Marsh said at the pre-match press conference, “He obviously sets the tone for them. He’s been incredible for the Sunrisers (Hyderabad) over the last little period of time. He’ll provide us a good challenge… I think you want to be challenged against the best players in the world. We know he’s one of those.”
Mitchell Marsh says Australia hitting form at the perfect time before ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Meanwhile, the Australian captain refused to comment on India’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but he stressed that his team is hitting top form at just the right time. With only eight matches left before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the Aussies are focused, confident, and determined to fine-tune their game in the high-voltage T20I series against India.
Marsh further explained, “I’m not really here to comment much on the Indian side of preparation for the World Cup, but I know that we’ve got eight games to go for us. And we’re really building nicely as a team in the way we want to play and go about it. So, yeah, we feel great at the moment. But we know that it’s going to be a big series against India.”
Read Also: “Catches will get dropped”: Suryakumar Yadav’s SHOCKING take on India’s pathetic fielding
Mitchell Marsh admits IPL experience doesn’t guarantee an advantage against India
Interestingly, many Australian players, including Marsh himself, are no strangers to Indian players. Having spent years playing in the IPL, they know each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and the intensity. Yet Marsh made it clear that this familiarity doesn’t make things any easier.
The Australian all-rounder signed off by saying, “Not necessarily (more challenging). I think around world cricket there’s so much footage these days. Everyone watches everyone. The key is execution under pressure. That’s all it comes down to. They are a fantastic team, one that we have great respect for, and I think five-match series are going to provide a lot of excitement for the fans that are coming to watch.
