Abhishek Sharma is a serious package, he's going be an asset for India in future: Tom Moody

Sunrisers Hyderabad's batting sensation Abhishek Sharma has been in scintillating form throughout IPL 2024, compiling an impressive tally of 482 runs in 15 innings at a breathtaking strike rate of 207.75, including 36 fours and 42 sixes. In short, the opener has been a powerhouse who has motored his side, leading up to the final showdown against the Kolkata Knight Riders. 

However, it wasn't his batting prowess that stole the spotlight in Qualifier 2 against the Rajasthan Royals. Instead, it was his bowling performance that garnered attention. Despite coming in as the sixth bowler, he bowled his entire quota, dismissing skipper Sanju Samson and southpaw Shimron Hetmyer. His adeptness at exploiting the favourable conditions at Chepauk highlighted his ability as a bowler. Abhishek admitted that he did not know whether he would bowl or not before the match, but stated his readiness if the situation demanded. 

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Former Australian cricketer and ex-head coach of SRH, Tom Moody heaped avalanches of praise on the youngster, saying that he backed himself to the tee to execute whatever role he has been assigned by the team. Notably, he had bowled only three overs in the other 14 IPL matches in this year's IPL, while he has bowled in only 91 of the 156 white-ball matches (List A and T20s). Moody asserted that Abhishek needs to bowl more as he is a rare breed irrespective of the forma, being a top-order batter who bowlers left-arm spin.  

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"He backs himself 100%. Yes, he doesn't bowl as much as he needs to bowl in domestic cricket for whatever reasons, but for the future of Indian cricket, he needs to be bowling because he is a serious package to be reckoned with. [Bats] at the top of the order, someone who can bowl left-arm spin whatever the format, he's going to be a real asset going forward," expressed Moody, while speaking on  ESPNcricinfo.

The cricketer-turned-commentator went as far as comparing Abhishek with the Nathan Lyon, particularly in their approach of flighting the ball to generate overspin and dip. He also lauded Abhishek's proficiency in executing the carrom ball, a skill he has diligently worked on for an extended period. The delivery that dismissed Hetmyer was a standout example, as it deviated unexpectedly by straightening instead of maintaining its original trajectory.

"The reason that makes him unique as a spinner is he tosses it up, and what he tries to do is get overspin on the ball, so the ball comes down like that (with the seam upright and facing the batter, not sideways), Nathan Lyon style, it dips. So, he doesn't bowl side spin, he bowls overspin and he's got that clever carrom ball he's been working on, which is the one Hetmyer got, and was an absolute peach," added Moody.