Former India cricketer Saba Karim has recently identified the best all-rounder for India’s T20I series against Zimbabwe. A young Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, has arrived in Zimbabwe for the T20I series starting on July 6 in Harare. With many senior players, who played crucial roles in India’s T20 World Cup win, being rested for this tour, a squad of emerging superstars has been selected for the series.

Young stars set to shine

Ahead of the series, Saba has backed a young star as the best all-rounder in the current Indian side against Zimbabwe. Among the players earning their maiden call-ups is Abhishek Sharma, who has been picked by Saba as a key player. Saba believes that Abhishek’s prowess with the bat and his ability to bowl left-arm spin make him a valuable asset to the team.

Saba Karim reveals his pick

Saba emphasized Abhishek’s versatility and potential impact in the series and termed he youngster as an ideal all-rounder who brings dual skills to the table as a prolific batter and a handy left-arm spin bowler. Saba sees Abhishek’s ability to open the innings and bowl a couple of crucial overs as a significant advantage, enhancing his value to the team

“I think he’s not only prolific with the bat, but he’s also a handy left-arm spin bowler. He brings that all-rounder slot to the table, which is so good for him. If he gets an opportunity, his ideal position is to open the innings and then bowl one or two crucial overs for India,” Saba said during a press interaction for Sony Sports.

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Impressive IPL performance

Notably, Abhishek’s selection comes on the back of an impressive season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). With an average of 32.26, the left-handed batter amassed 484 runs in 16 innings, boasting a strike rate of over 200. His performance in the IPL has cemented his reputation as a promising all-rounder, making him a key player to watch in the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.

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