“Not Just Power, It’s Precision”: Kane Williamson Praises Abhishek Sharma’s Rare T20 Skillset

The former SRH skipper lauds Abhishek Sharma’s bat swing, shot adaptability, and potential to shine in Tests—calling him one of the most dangerous T20 batters in the world

New Delhi, March 26: Kane Williamson believes Abhishek Sharma is among the most dangerous T20 batters in the world—not just for his power but for his rare ability to adjust shots at the last moment without losing timing or control.

“He’s got that gift of power, but not through brute force—it’s timing and shot placement all over the ground,” the former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper told ESPNcricinfo. “Changing your shot at the last minute, because you’re not overhitting, is a skill that not many have. It’s a superpower.”

Williamson likened Abhishek’s skills to South African powerhouse Heinrich Klaasen, noting how both can manipulate the field with their precision and adaptability.

Abhishek had a breakout season in IPL 2024, scoring 484 runs at a strike rate of 204.21 across 16 innings, forming one of the tournament’s most explosive opening partnerships with Travis Head. Since then, he’s carried that momentum into international cricket, notching two T20I centuries in just 17 matches, with an average of 33.43 and an astonishing strike rate of 193.84.

Williamson, who led SRH when the franchise picked Abhishek from Delhi Capitals in 2019, recalled the early signs of brilliance.

“Abhi and Shubman [Gill] were under Yuvraj Singh’s wing back then—clear signs of their talent,” he said. “IPL isn’t always easy for young players to get a long runway, but Abhi’s development was a masterstroke. Now he’s a global T20 force.”

Describing Abhishek’s personality, Williamson added: “He was a happy-go-lucky guy, always eager to train, losing balls during practice by hitting them into orbit. That youthful exuberance made him a keen learner and a confident player.”

While Abhishek is currently known as a T20 specialist, Williamson believes he has the tools to make it in the longer formats too.

“His technique is solid. It’s clean hitting, not just power. He plays the ball on merit. I won’t be surprised if he aims to play Test cricket for India.”

Williamson highlighted Abhishek’s growing clarity in his game plan, maturity in decision-making, and hunger to keep evolving. “Often young players question whether they belong. But Abhi has developed that clarity and confidence. He’s constantly pushing the boundaries of his game—that’s what defines great players,” Williamson concluded.