Abhishek Sharma’s Secret Test Dream Revealed by Ashwin

Abhishek Sharma has been a revelation in India’s T20I setup, but a recent revelation from veteran spinner R Ashwin has sent fans into a frenzy: the young opener is eyeing a spot in the prestigious Test team, armed with advice from none other than West Indian legend Brian Lara.

From T20 Fireworks to the Red-Ball Dream

While the cricketing world knows Abhishek Sharma for his explosive six-hitting and fearless strokeplay in the shortest format, his ambitions stretch far beyond the boundary ropes of a T20 game. In a candid chat, R Ashwin disclosed that Sharma is deeply committed to mastering the longer format, a path that demands immense patience and technical fortitude—qualities he’s actively cultivating .

Brian Lara’s Golden Advice to Abhishek Sharma

The most intriguing part of this story is the mentorship from a true great. Ashwin revealed that Brian Lara, one of the most elegant and prolific batsmen in Test history, has taken a personal interest in Sharma’s development. The advice was simple yet profound: “When you are in good form, double up your practice.” Lara’s reasoning was that consistent success puts a target on your back, and bowlers will be actively plotting your dismissal. To stay ahead, you must work twice as hard .

This guidance has clearly resonated with the young Indian. Despite his T20 stardom, Sharma is reportedly keen to break into the Test side, a goal that Brian Lara himself has acknowledged and praised, calling the opener “special” and lauding his hunger for the red-ball challenge [[6], [9]].

Why Abhishek Sharma Could Be India’s Next Test Star

Ashwin didn’t just share a story; he made a bold prediction, calling Abhishek Sharma “India’s next batting superstar” . This isn’t just flattery. Sharma’s recent performances, like his fluent half-century in a high-pressure T20I defeat where wickets were falling all around him, showcase a rare composure that transcends formats .

His ability to anchor an innings while possessing the power to accelerate is a rare and valuable blend in modern cricket. If he can channel Lara’s advice into building a rock-solid defensive technique, the transition to Test cricket could be a natural progression.

Abhishek Sharma’s Path to the Test Cap: A Timeline

Milestone	Significance
T20I Debut & Explosive Start	Established himself as a key part of India’s future in white-ball cricket.
Consistent Domestic Performances	Strong showings in the Ranji Trophy are crucial for a Test call-up.
Mentorship from Brian Lara	Gaining invaluable insights from a Test batting legend on technique and mindset .
Endorsement from R Ashwin	Public backing from a senior, respected Test player adds significant weight to his credentials .

The Road Ahead for the Young Opener

The journey from a T20 specialist to a Test mainstay is a long and arduous one, paved with challenges. Abhishek Sharma will need to prove his mettle against the red ball on unresponsive pitches and against high-quality seam and swing bowling over long periods. However, with the guidance of a legend like Lara and the public faith of a champion like Ashwin, he has a unique support system.

His dream is no longer a secret. The entire cricketing world will now be watching to see if this young talent can transform his explosive potential into the enduring excellence required for Test cricket.

Sources

• Times of India: Abhishek Sharma to play Test cricket? Ashwin reveals Lara’s advice
• ESPNCricinfo: Brian Lara calls Abhishek Sharma special