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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India cricketer Saba Karim has expressed strong support for Abhishek Sharma to take on the all-rounder's role in the Indian T20I team ahead of the upcoming five-match series against Zimbabwe. Set to debut in the series, the 23-year-old Abhishek Sharma has garnered attention with his exceptional performances.

India will face Zimbabwe in the first T20I on Saturday, July 6, at Harare Sports Club. The tour has seen several players earn their maiden India call-up, and Abhishek Sharma is among them. The opening batter had an outstanding season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, amassing 484 runs from 16 innings at an average of 32.26 and an impressive strike rate of 204.21. Known for his fearless approach, Abhishek's stellar performance in the IPL earned him a spot in the Indian team.

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Saba Karim, speaking about Abhishek ahead of the series, highlighted the young cricketer's dual abilities. "I think he's not only so prolific with the bat, but I think he's a handy left-arm spin bowler. So he brings to the table that all-rounder slot also, which is so good for him. And if he has to get an opportunity, then I think he's ideally suited to open the innings and then roll his arm over for maybe one or two overs, which will be so crucial for India," Karim stated during a press interaction for Sony Sports.

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Abhishek Sharma also demonstrated his bowling capabilities in the IPL, picking up two wickets in the qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals, securing the prized scalps of Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer. Karim further emphasized that Abhishek should be utilized as an opener, a role in which he has excelled and matured significantly. "About whether he will get that role or not, I think that's the way the team management and I'm sure the selectors are also looking at him. If he has to play, as I said, I think the opening slot is perfect for him because he has excelled and he has grown as a player. There's more maturity in him. He did well for Sunrisers. Even before that, he led Punjab in the Mushtaq Ali T20 which they won last season. So one can see those qualities in Abhishek Sharma," Karim added.

Notably, Abhishek led Punjab to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win in 2023, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament with 485 runs from ten innings at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 192.46, including two hundreds and three fifties. The explosive batter will be eager to maintain his remarkable form in the first T20I and begin his international career on a high note.