IPL 2024 | 'Going be an asset for India in future': Tom Moody heaps praise on young Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma in action (Pic: AFP)

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody suggested that Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Abhishek Sharma needs to bowl more, which will benefit the Indian team in the long run and is going to be a real asset forward.

After a day-off with the bat, the young Abhishek delivered a marvellous spell of spin bowling with the ball, picking up two crucial wickets to help his side secure a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Chennai on Friday.

Abhishek had till this point, won acclaim with his six-hitting abilities and consistent hitting in powerplay overs. Showing why he is one of the future stars to look out for, Abhishek picked up the ball and got crucial wickets for RR skipper Sanju Samson and later hard-hitting Shimron Hetmyer with a stunning turning delivery. As an opener who can chip in useful overs of spin, he is indeed a player worth paying attention to.

Speaking after the game at ESPNCricinfo's Time Out show, Moody said that Abhishek backs himself 100 per cent and needs to bowl more because he does not do so quite regularly in domestic cricket for Punjab. Moody also points out that Abhishek's bowling is very similar to Australian spin legend Nathan Lyon and he has a "clever carrom ball".

"He backs himself 100 per cent. Yes, he does not 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. He bats at the top of the order, someone who can bowl left-arm spin whatever the format, he is going to be a real asset going forward," he said.

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"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 seam upright and facing the batter, not sideways), Nathan Lyon style, it dips. So he does not bowl side spin, he bowls overspin and he has got that clever carrom ball he has been working on which is the one Hetmyer got and was an absolute peach," he added.

Sharma, meanwhile, on Saturday said that he often had conversations about his bowling with his mentor and legendary Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who encouraged the youngster that he could be a better bowler than him.

Spinners reigned supreme in the Qualifier 2 and orchestrated Rajasthan Royals exit from the Indian Premier League by helping Sunrisers Hyderabad walk away with a 36-run win at the Chepauk on Friday. SRH skipper Pat Cummins' gamble to put spinners as their frontline attack against RR's power hitters worked like a charm for them.

Following the win, Abhishek, a capable left-arm spinner with 32 wickets in 103 T20s in his career, said that he is happy to have contributed to his team's win to seal the finals spot in the IPL. Abhishek also opened up on his father being a left-arm spinner himself during his playing days and the conversations he has with Yuvraj, who has been a mentor to the young left-handed player.

"I have been playing IPL for a quite few years. My dream was to play the final and we are playing the finals now. It is an emotional and inspirational moment for me. When you contribute to your team's cause, it is a cherry on top," said Abhishek.

"My dad would be really happy, he was a left-arm spinner himself. He has been working hard on my bowling. I also knew that if I kept working hard, I could do something for my team because I have that in myself. Since junior cricket, I have been bowling and getting wickets. I am really happy for that opportunity. It was not easy to get this chance at bowling. I had to show my captain and coaches since they did not see me bowling much."

(With agency inputs)