IND vs AUS: "He'll definitely be a challenge.." Australia prepared to tackle Abhishek Sharma, iterates captain Mitchell Marsh

Mitchell Marsh acknowledged that Abhishek Sharma will be a challenge for Australia in the T20I series.

Australia T20I captain Mitchell Marsh has acknowledged that Indian opener Abhishek Sharma will be a huge challenge for them in the upcoming T20I series. However, he also believes that Australia are prepared to battle Sharma’s batting mayhem during the campaign.

The five-match T20I series between Australian Cricket Team and Indian Cricket Team will commence on October 29 (Wednesday) with the opening game at the Manuka Oval, Canberra. Youngster Abhishek will be in the spotlight during the series following his marvellous batting show in Asia Cup 2025 last month.

With 314 runs in seven games at a strike rate of 200.0, Abhishek finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament and played a pivotal role in India’s journey to winning the title. With his aggressive batting style, he stormed three consecutive half-centuries and was also adjudged Player of the Tournament.

Since the start of 2025, the left-handed batsman has been in a wonderful form in the shortest format, scoring 593 runs in 12 games at an average of 49.41 with one ton and four half-centuries. Moreover, he is currently the No.1 ranked batter in International Cricket Council (ICC) men’s T20I rankings with 926 rating points.

Abhishek Sharma will definitely be a challenge for us: Mitchell Marsh

Speaking ahead of the first T20I against India, Marsh termed Abhishek as an incredible player who can be a challenge for them. However, he also added that Australia are ready and looking forward to tackling him.

“Abhishek is such an incredible talent, he sets the tone for them and has been outstanding for Sunrisers. He’ll definitely be a challenge for us, but that’s what you want – to test yourself against the best players in the world. We’re looking forward to that,” he said.

Marsh also revealed that Josh Inglis is fit to play in the T20I series after recovering from his calf injury.

“Yep, Inglis is fit and available. We’re obviously wrapped to have him back, he’s a very important player for us. I’d say he’ll bat at four. There’s one player we’ll follow up on, but yeah, he’s ready to go,” he added.

Meanwhile, since making his international debut last year, Abhishek has cemented his place as an opener in the T20I team with his aggressive batting approach. The 25-year-old will play on Australian soil for the first time.

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