'He is a serious talent and goes so hard...': Australia spinner fires Abhishek Sharma's warning for Mitchell Marsh-led side ahead of fourth T20I

Australia spinner Matt Kuhnemann reckons that India's young, destructive opener Abhishek Sharma is a major batting threat for the hosts in the upcoming 4th T20I which which is scheduled to take place on November 06 in Queensland. Kuhnemann lauded Abhishek's rapid rise and aggressive stroke play, admitting that Australia will have to dismiss him early to prevent him from keeping the momentum of the game in their favour.

Abhishek Sharma's Asia Cup performance

Abhishek is one of the destructive batters to emerge from India in recent years. After a great Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the southpaw carried that form into international cricket. He was the standout performer for India in the Asia Cup 2025, where India defeated Pakistan in the final to win the title.

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Matt Kuhnemann for Abhishek Sharma

After the Asia Cup, Abhishek continued his purple patch in the ongoing T20I series against Australia as well, he smashed a fluent 68 in the second match at Melbourne. The batter holds the ability to change the game, and Kuhnemann, who will most likely to feature in the 4th T20I, acknowledged that Abhishek sets the tone for India in the powerplay and can shift momentum quickly if allowed to settle.

“Well, hopefully Xavier Bartlett or one of the quicks, Benny Dwarshuis, can take his wicket in the first couple of overs. He is a serious talent and goes so hard from ball one. It is going to be a great spectacle on Thursday, but hopefully the boys can get him cheaply,” Kuhnemann told cricket.com.au. The spinner is in contention to play his fifth T20I in the upcoming match.

Matt Kuhnemann on India vs Australia 4th T20I

Kuhnemann also opened up on the similarities between India and Australia in their batting approaches. He said that both sides prefer to play aggressive, high-tempo cricket right from the outset.

“Yeah, I think the way they are playing is sort of similar to how we are playing as well. Very explosive. The game is changing rapidly. Everyone just goes hard from ball one. Taking wickets in the middle overs will be crucial,” Kuhnemann said.

The fourth T20I between India and Australia will take place on November 05 in Gold Coast in Queensland. The five-match T20I series is currently tied 1-1 after India's five-wicket win in the third clash.