What Makes Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson an Irresistible Batting Pair?
Since Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir took charge of India’s T20 team, they have not only elevated India’s game in the format but have also been strategic in backing the right players for specific roles. With the current form of the squad, selection is almost automatic barring injuries. However, ahead of the T20I series against England, all eyes were on how India would handle Abhishek Sharma, especially given the stellar form of his competitor, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Abhishek made a strong statement with a century in his second international match in Zimbabwe, but his highest score in the following seven innings was just 16. In the past, India’s team management has rarely been patient with emerging players, particularly when there is stiff competition for spots. Considering Jaiswal’s form, India could have easily opted for a Jaiswal-Samson opening combination.
Yet, India has persisted with the Abhishek-Samson opening duo since the Bangladesh series, despite their highest partnership being 73 runs and their longest stay at the crease lasting 5.5 overs in Johannesburg. So, what makes this partnership so valuable?
The Left-Right Advantage & Contrasting Styles
Apart from the natural challenge a left-right opening pair poses for bowlers, Abhishek and Samson complement each other with contrasting batting styles:
Sanju Samson prefers playing in the V, relying on shoulder power for his shots.
Abhishek Sharma is more effective square of the wicket, utilizing his bat swing and top-hand grip to slice deliveries instead of playing fierce cuts like Samson.
These distinct approaches make it harder for bowlers to adjust their line and length, which is why India is willing to nurture this partnership.
Abhishek Sharma’s Aggressive Intent
One of Abhishek’s biggest strengths which set him apart during the IPL is his intent. He was a key performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who finished as runners-up, amassing 484 runs at a staggering strike rate of 204.22. More importantly, his selfless approach a quality often missing in past Indian openers—allowed him to maximize his impact in the powerplay.
I have always thought about being a team player, Abhishek said after his 79-run knock off 43 balls in Kolkata. There will always be competition in India’s senior team. But when Suryakumar and Gautam paaji told me to keep my intent strong, it was a big moment. If the team wants me to play this way, then I can do it, he added.
His extensive domestic experience featuring for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy also played a key role in shaping his fearless approach.
Guidance from Legends & Mastering the Bat Swing
Abhishek has had the privilege of working with cricketing greats like Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara, both known for their elegant bat swings. He credits them for refining his game, particularly his ability to flick deliveries with ease, as seen in his shot against Mark Wood at Eden Gardens.
When T20s arrived, Yuvraj paaji said the format freed him as a batsman, which I relate to. I was lucky to work with Yuvi paaji first, then with Brian Lara at SRH. Moving forward, Daniel Vettori was simple in his approach he wanted everyone to express themselves. Now, even Gambhir bhai backs me to showcase my talent freely, Abhishek said.
The Samson-Abhishek Partnership: Built for the Team Needs
While Samson and Abhishek haven’t yet built massive partnerships, their role is clear: attack from the start and set the stage for India’s power-packed middle order. Unlike traditional openers who prioritize partnerships, their mandate is to maximize the powerplay advantage, even if it means one of them falls early.
With India’s batting depth, this aggressive approach is a luxury that allows India to dominate oppositions early. Given the duo contrasting yet complementary styles, India is keen on allowing this partnership to flourish, knowing that it can be a game-changer in the long run.
