/sky247-english/media/agency_attachments/u8Dd4hyaH0mQGXmyg0Eo.png)
Follow Us/sky247-english/media/media_files/2026/02/15/download-2026-02-15-15-59-49.webp)
Former Sri Lankan batter Chamara Kapugedera has stated that the Indian dashing opener Abhishek Sharma has played a pivotal role in Team India’s success in the last 12 months in the shortest format of the game.
/sky247-english/media/media_files/2025/09/01/file_247_domain_blockage_1920x500px_cta-2025-09-01-21-55-04.webp)
Speaking to NDTV Sports, the former Sri Lankan cricketer drew parallels between Abhishek Sharma and the former Caribbean explosive opener Chris Gayle, adding that no one can replace Sharma at the moment in the XI.
"India's success in the last one year, (has) mainly depended on Abhishek Sharma, the star because the way he batted the past year, I think that's phenomenal. I haven't seen anyone doing that except for Chris Gayle when we were starting. I don't think anyone can replace Abhishek Sharma at the moment in the Indian team," Kapugedera told NDTV Sports.
Furthermore, Kapugedera has also hailed Sanju Samson, but was quick to add that the way Abhishek scores runs, it gives the Indian team a lot of freedom to play around him in the middle overs. Moreover, the former cricketer also asserted that Pakistan doesn’t have any advantage on the Colombo surface.
"Yes, Sanju (Samson) is a great player. We have seen him scoring 100s, but the way Abhishek scores runs, it gives India so much of freedom to play around him or do whatever they want actually in the middle overs. So, what Abhishek gives is important to India going forward in this (T20 World Cup) campaign, especially for getting into the final," he added.
"There's no advantage for Pakistan in the game here as the conditions in Colombo may not necessarily offer steep bounce. Unlike the SSC (Sinhala Sports Club) surface, known for sponge bounce and carry, the Premadasa wicket is generally lower and slower, often gripping as the game progresses," he noted.
"I think going into the match, India will be the favourites, but the way Pakistan is playing, it's going to be a very close game," he concluded.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!