Legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara has praised India’s young batting sensation Abhishek Sharma, calling him “special” and applauding his desire to succeed in Test cricket. Lara, who worked closely with Abhishek during his stint as the batting coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, said that the youngster’s hunger to become a complete all-format player sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.
Speaking at an event, Lara said he has been following Abhishek’s progress closely since their time together in the IPL. “He’s a very special player — not just because of his ability to strike the ball cleanly, but because he’s constantly looking to grow. What I admire most about him is that, despite being a modern-day white-ball star, he wants to play Test cricket. That says a lot about his mindset,” Lara remarked.
Abhishek has been one of India’s breakout performers over the past year, shining in the Asia Cup and various T20I assignments. His attacking flair, particularly in the powerplay overs, has made him one of India’s most dangerous openers in limited-overs formats. Yet, as Lara pointed out, what makes Abhishek intriguing is his willingness to adapt his game for red-ball cricket.
Lara revealed that during their time together, Abhishek often discussed the challenges of batting long sessions and how to build innings in the traditional format. “He would ask me about pacing an innings, reading bowlers over spells, and how to stay mentally strong for hours. That level of curiosity is rare in players who are already successful in T20 cricket,” Lara added.
The legendary left-hander emphasized that the next step for Abhishek is to translate his raw talent into consistent first-class performances. “He has the balance, timing, and temperament to play Test cricket. What he needs now is time in the middle — innings where he faces 200 or 300 balls and learns the patience the format demands,” Lara explained.
Abhishek’s domestic form has already hinted at his red-ball potential. In the last Ranji season, he played a handful of key innings for Punjab, showcasing a more measured and composed approach. He has publicly expressed his goal of donning the India Test cap, stating that representing the country in whites is his ultimate dream.
Lara’s endorsement comes as a major confidence boost for the young batter. Known for identifying and mentoring emerging talent, Lara’s approval carries weight — particularly given his own stature as one of the greatest Test batsmen in history. “I see in Abhishek the same hunger I saw in young players who went on to become world-beaters. He’s got the tools and the mindset — it’s just about staying the course,” Lara concluded.
As Indian cricket continues to search for players capable of excelling across formats, Abhishek Sharma’s ambition and work ethic make him a standout prospect. If his development continues on its current path, he may soon find himself transitioning from a dynamic white-ball star to a reliable pillar in India’s Test batting lineup — a transformation even Brian Lara believes is within reach.
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