It was a big day for India A at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur, in the series decider against Australia A. But once again, Abhishek Sharma found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Abhishek struggles in the longer format
The young opener, known for his explosive T20 batting, failed to deliver in the 50-over format. After another low score, the Kanpur crowd quickly shifted its attention to captain Shreyas Iyer, who received loud cheers and applause.
Australia A’s strong batting display
Australia A posted a solid 316 in 49.1 overs. They were in early trouble but recovered well through a massive 152-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Scott Edwards (89 off 75) and Liam Scott (73 off 64). Cooper Connolly added a quick 64 off 49 to help them reach a competitive total.
India A’s bowling highlights
For India A, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana took three wickets each. Ayush Badoni claimed two, while Nishant Sindhu and Gurjapneet Singh got one apiece. Despite some late breakthroughs, the hosts faced a tough chase.
Abhishek’s ODI form raises questions
Abhishek entered the series with high expectations after his strong T20 performances. But his scores of 0(1) and 22(25) reflected his ongoing struggle to adapt to the longer format. His List A average of 34 and First-Class average of 30 show that consistency remains a challenge.
Fans doubt Abhishek’s readiness for ODI call-up
Many fans who wanted to see him in India’s main ODI squad for the Australia tour are now unsure. His attacking game fits T20 cricket well, but he needs to learn how to pace his innings better in 50-over matches.
Kanpur crowd backs Shreyas Iyer
While Abhishek’s form drew criticism, the atmosphere in Kanpur revolved around Shreyas Iyer. Leading India A after being left out of the Asia Cup squad, Iyer received massive support. The packed crowd cheered him every time he appeared, celebrating his calm leadership and batting class.
Fans disappointed over lack of live streaming
Despite a thrilling contest, fans expressed frustration that BCCI didn’t stream the series. Viewers said it was disappointing that a high-quality clash featuring Iyer, Tilak Varma, and Arshdeep Singh was unavailable to watch. On social media, many noted that if Cricket Australia had hosted it, every ball would have been streamed live.
Passion for cricket remains strong
As India A chased 317, the spotlight stayed on Iyer’s leadership and Abhishek’s future. His talent is unquestioned, but to become a complete player, he must adapt to ODIs. The roaring Kanpur crowd proved that even in unofficial matches, India’s passion for cricket never fades.
