Abhishek Sharma Compared To Sri Lanka Great By New Zealand Coach
Indian cricket’s next-generation batting star Abhishek Sharma continues to make waves on the international stage, and the latest endorsement of his talent has come from an unexpected yet highly respected voice. New Zealand coach Jacob Oram has compared Abhishek Sharma to a legendary Sri Lankan great, describing his batting style as creating “absolute chaos in the middle”.
The comparison has sparked widespread discussion among fans, former players, and analysts, as it places Abhishek Sharma in elite company at a very early stage of his international career. Coming from a former international cricketer and current coach like Jacob Oram, the remark carries significant weight.
This blog dives deep into what Oram meant by his comment, which Sri Lankan great Abhishek Sharma resembles, why his batting creates chaos, and what this comparison means for the future of Indian cricket.
Jacob Oram’s Remark That Caught Everyone’s Attention
Jacob Oram, known for his calm analysis and deep understanding of modern cricket, did not mince his words while speaking about Abhishek Sharma. His description of Abhishek as a batter who creates “chaos in the middle” immediately stood out.
The term “chaos” in cricketing terms is not negative—quite the opposite. It refers to a batter who:
- Disrupts bowling plans
- Forces captains to rethink strategies
- Breaks traditional field settings
- Puts pressure on even the best bowlers
Oram’s comparison to a Sri Lankan great known for fearless, unpredictable batting highlights how highly Abhishek’s style is already being regarded at the international level.
Which Sri Lankan Great Does Abhishek Sharma Resemble?
While Jacob Oram did not focus on statistics, the comparison strongly points towards Sanath Jayasuriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most destructive and revolutionary batters.
Sanath Jayasuriya:
- Changed how opening batting was approached
- Attacked bowlers from the very first over
- Created panic among opposition captains
- Redefined powerplay batting
Abhishek Sharma’s fearless approach, left-handed aggression, and ability to dominate bowlers early mirror many of these traits.
Why “Chaos in the Middle” Is the Perfect Description
Abhishek Sharma’s batting creates chaos not because of randomness, but because of controlled unpredictability.
What Makes His Batting Chaotic for Bowlers
- He attacks both pace and spin equally
- He does not rely on a single scoring zone
- He changes gears without warning
- He forces bowlers off their lengths
This unpredictability makes it extremely difficult for bowlers to settle into a rhythm.
Abhishek Sharma’s Fearless Batting Philosophy
Unlike traditional batters who assess conditions for long periods, Abhishek Sharma believes in:
- Taking the initiative
- Putting pressure back on bowlers
- Controlling the tempo of the innings
This mindset aligns perfectly with modern limited-overs cricket, where intent often outweighs caution.
Jacob Oram’s praise reflects how this approach unsettles even the most organised bowling attacks.
The Left-Handed Advantage
One key factor behind Abhishek Sharma’s impact is his left-handed batting.
Left-handers naturally:
- Disrupt bowling lines
- Force frequent field changes
- Break right-arm bowler rhythm
When combined with Abhishek’s attacking instincts, this becomes a nightmare for captains trying to maintain control.
How Abhishek Sharma Disrupts Bowling Plans
Bowling plans are built on predictability—line, length, and expected response. Abhishek Sharma breaks this formula.
He:
- Sweeps spinners early
- Charges fast bowlers without hesitation
- Uses the crease creatively
- Switches between power and placement
This constant disruption is exactly what Jacob Oram referred to as “chaos”.
Mental Pressure: Abhishek’s Hidden Weapon
Beyond technique, Abhishek Sharma applies intense mental pressure on bowlers.
When a batter:
- Hits boundaries off good balls
- Attacks defensive fields
- Scores at will against main bowlers
it forces mistakes. Bowlers begin to:
- Bowl shorter or fuller than planned
- Lose discipline
- Offer scoring opportunities
Chaos, in this sense, is psychological as much as technical.
Comparison With Sri Lankan Batting Philosophy
Sri Lankan greats have traditionally embraced:
- Natural flair
- Fearless stroke play
- Creativity over rigidity
Abhishek Sharma’s style fits this mould perfectly, which explains Oram’s comparison. Like the Sri Lankan greats of the past, Abhishek plays:
- With freedom
- Without fear of failure
- With confidence in his natural game
Abhishek Sharma’s Rise Through the Ranks
Abhishek Sharma’s journey has been one of steady evolution rather than overnight success.
Key stages of his growth include:
- Strong domestic performances
- Impactful IPL seasons
- Improved consistency at the top level
- Growing confidence against elite bowlers
Each stage has added layers to his game without taking away his natural aggression.
IPL as a Launchpad for Chaos
The IPL has played a crucial role in shaping Abhishek Sharma’s fearless approach.
In the IPL, he learned:
- How to attack world-class bowlers
- How to handle pressure situations
- How to play with intent from ball one
This exposure has translated seamlessly into international cricket.
Why Coaches Value Players Like Abhishek Sharma
From a coaching perspective, players like Abhishek Sharma are invaluable because they:
- Change match momentum quickly
- Reduce pressure on other batters
- Force opposition into defensive mode
Jacob Oram’s praise reflects how coaches view such players—not just as run-scorers, but as game-changers.
Chaos vs Consistency: The Ongoing Debate
One concern often raised about aggressive batters is consistency. However, Abhishek Sharma has shown growth in this area.
His development includes:
- Better shot selection
- Improved awareness of match situations
- Willingness to adapt when required
This balance between chaos and control is what separates elite batters from one-dimensional hitters.
How Abhishek Sharma Fits Into India’s Future Plans
India’s white-ball teams increasingly value:
- Explosive starts
- Flexible batting orders
- Match-winning intent
Abhishek Sharma fits this blueprint perfectly. His ability to:
- Open the innings
- Bat in the middle order
- Accelerate at any stage
makes him a versatile asset.
What Opposition Teams Are Saying
Jacob Oram’s comment is not an isolated one. Opposition teams are increasingly acknowledging that:
- Abhishek is difficult to plan against
- Traditional bowling strategies don’t work
- Containing him is often the only option
Such respect from rivals is a clear indicator of impact.
Why the Sri Lankan Comparison Is Significant
Being compared to a Sri Lankan great is significant because:
- Sri Lanka produced some of cricket’s most innovative batters
- Their players thrived on instinct and freedom
- They changed how limited-overs cricket was played
Abhishek Sharma being mentioned in the same breath suggests his style could influence future batting trends.
The Risk Factor: Embracing Controlled Aggression
Abhishek Sharma understands that chaos comes with risk. However, he has shown:
- Willingness to take responsibility
- Acceptance of occasional failure
- Focus on long-term impact
This mindset is essential for players who play on the edge.
Why Fans Love Watching Abhishek Sharma Bat
Fans are drawn to Abhishek Sharma because:
- Every ball feels exciting
- Matches can change in minutes
- His confidence is infectious
Chaos, for spectators, means entertainment—and Abhishek delivers that consistently.
The Role of Mentorship in His Growth
Mentors and senior players have played a role in refining Abhishek’s approach, helping him:
- Channel aggression productively
- Understand match context
- Improve decision-making
This guidance ensures chaos does not turn into recklessness.
Can Abhishek Sharma Redefine Modern Batting?
If Abhishek continues on this path, he could:
- Redefine how left-handed batters approach powerplays
- Influence younger players to play fearlessly
- Become a blueprint for aggressive yet intelligent batting
Jacob Oram’s comparison hints at this potential.
Challenges Ahead for Abhishek Sharma
Despite the praise, challenges remain:
- Handling different conditions
- Maintaining consistency across formats
- Dealing with targeted bowling plans
How he navigates these challenges will define his long-term success.
Why This Praise Matters at This Stage of His Career
Early recognition from respected coaches can:
- Boost confidence
- Validate playing style
- Encourage continued fearlessness
However, it also increases expectations—a test Abhishek must manage carefully.
The Bigger Picture for Indian Cricket
Indian cricket benefits immensely from players like Abhishek Sharma because:
- They break monotony
- They add unpredictability
- They keep opponents guessing
Such players are crucial in modern tournaments where margins are small.
What “Chaos in the Middle” Really Means
To summarise, “chaos in the middle” means:
- Bowlers lose control
- Captains run out of ideas
- Fields are constantly changed
- Momentum shifts rapidly
Few batters create this effect consistently—and Abhishek Sharma is becoming one of them.
Final Thoughts
Jacob Oram’s comparison of Abhishek Sharma to a Sri Lankan great and his description of the Indian batter as creating “chaos in the middle” is a powerful endorsement of Abhishek’s impact on modern cricket.
This is not just praise—it is recognition of a batting style that unsettles, excites, and transforms matches. Like the Sri Lankan legends before him, Abhishek Sharma plays with freedom, courage, and instinct.
If he continues to balance chaos with control, Indian cricket may have found its next great match-winner—one who does not just score runs, but changes games in minutes.
And as Jacob Oram rightly pointed out, when Abhishek Sharma is at the crease, order disappears—and chaos takes over.
