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Former India player Parthiv Patel has lauded Abhishek Sharma for adopting an aggressive approach in the first T20I against Australia despite playing Down Under for the first time. He noted that the opener will never be dismissed while playing defensively.Abhishek scored 19 runs off 14 deliveries in the first T20I in Canberra on Wednesday, October 29. The game didn't yield a result as rain brought an end to the proceedings after the visitors were 97/1 in 9.4 overs while batting first.During a discussion on Star Sports, Parthiv was asked about his thoughts on Abhishek's knock."The trailer showed how the picture is going to be. He has decided that he will bat with this kind of approach only, and he should as well because he has become the world's No. 1 batter by playing like this only. He has been batting with such consistency while playing like this only," the former India wicketkeeper-batter responded."You need to make a little adjustment for sure when you go and play in a new country. You need to get used to the bounce and pace. Since Abhishek plays with a fearless approach, you will see positivity every time. You played freely even though you came to Australia for the first time. You will never see Abhishek Sharma getting out while defending. He will get out playing big shots only," he added.Abhishek Sharma struck four fours during his 19-run knock. He was caught at mid-off by Tim David while attempting a big shot off Nathan Ellis' bowling."It becomes easier for whoever is batting with him" - Parthiv Patel on Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill as opening pair after AUS vs IND 2025 1st T20IAbhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill have started opening regularly since the Asia Cup 2025. [P/C: Getty]In the same discussion, Parthiv Patel was asked about Shubman Gill being helped by Abhishek Sharma's presence as his opening partner."Firstly, he shares a comfort level with Abhishek. That matters a lot. Both have almost grown up together. Secondly, the way Abhishek plays, it becomes easier for whoever is batting with him," he replied.The Gujarat Titans (GT) coach noted that Abhishek's destructive approach allows Gill to take his time at the start of his innings."If he has to give himself some time, concentrate on strike rotation for one or two overs and then play big shots, he can do that because Abhishek will go for big shots from the first ball. It suits Shubman Gill as well. We have seen that in the IPL also. He takes his time and plays big shots after that," Parthiv observed.Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill stitched together a 35-run opening partnership in just 3.5 overs in the first T20I against Australia. The latter remained unbeaten on a 20-ball 37, a knock studded with four fours and a six.
