'Don't think he is ready': Yuvraj Singh on Abhishek Sharma's selection chances for T20 World Cup

23-year-old Abhishek Sharma is having a dream IPL 2024 at the moment. Playing as an opening batsman for Sunrisers Hyderabad, the cricketer from Punjab has amassed 288 runs in 8 innings at an outstanding strike rate of 218.18. Abhishek Sharma is also in contention for winning the prestigious 'Emerging Player of the Season' award. After a brilliant start to his campaign, there's been a growing clamour for his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.

However, former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh feels that Abhishek Sharma is not yet ready to be included in India's T20 World Cup squad which is due to take place in June in the West Indies and the USA. Yuvraj Singh has worked closely with Abhishek Sharma over the past few years and the SRH batter has also acknowledged Yuvraj as his mentor.

Yuvraj Singh feels that the young left-hander from Punjab needs more time before he can be considered ready to represent India internationally.

During a recent interaction with Cricbuzz, Yuvraj said, "Abhishek is almost there but I don't think he is ready for the World Cup right now."

"For the World Cup, we have to take an experienced side. Obviously, some guys have played for India. After the World Cup, he should be prepared to play for India. That is what he should focus on. Coming six months will be very important for Abhishek," Yuvraj added.

Yuvraj Singh also said that although Abhishek boasts an outstanding strike rate of 218.18 during the ongoing season of IPL, he still has to spend time at the crease and play a big knock.

"His performance definitely is better. His strike rate has been phenomenal but big scores haven't come. With this kind of strike rate, you must get big scores if you want to compete for a spot to play for India. Great strike rates, yes, but there have to be a couple of big knocks to make sure that you are worthwhile to play for India."

Together with Travis Head, Abhishek has developed a lethal combination. Unlike his youthful opening partner, Travis Head has turned his few starts into big scores. Australia's left-hander, Head, has two fifties and a century, and Yuvraj wants Abhishek to pick up this hitting technique from the Aussie star.

"He is definitely getting a lot of confidence from Travis Head. Travis is a world-class player right now. He got a hundred in the World Cup final, he is a big match player. Abhishek has the opportunity to learn how to convert a good start into a big knock. That is what he has to learn from him."

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