T20 WC: Abhishek getting his runs by playing in ‘V’is a welcome change in approach, says Pathan

CHENNAI: Abhishek Sharma's disciplined batting through the 'V' to top-score with 55, his first fifty in the Men’s T20 World Cup, was a welcome shift in approach from a batter who likes to play square, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said after the side defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs in their Super Eights clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

"What I liked about Abhishek Sharma’s batting was the way he played in the V (mid-on to mid-off section of the field). 68 per cent of his runs came in front, which was a welcome change in approach, especially from a player who likes to play square. The pitch also helped. There was some poor bowling from Zimbabwe as well,” said Pathan on JioStar.

Pathan also backed India’s decision to field a left-right combination at the top of the order, though he had reservations about Ishan Kishan moving to number three. "I am interested to see how this left-right combination pans out for Team India. Yes, I would not have preferred Ishan Kishan to bat at number three, but you understand what the Indian team was trying to do.