NEW DELHI: With the USA set to face India in their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 opener on February 7, American cricketer Milind Kumar has underlined the threat posed by Abhishek Sharma, admitting that the in-form opener will be the key player his side must guard against.
The 25-year-old Abhishek, currently ranked the world's No. 1 T20I batter, has been in scintillating form, amassing 1,297 runs in 38 matches, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.
His consistency was again on display in the recently concluded five-match home T20I series against New Zealand, where he finished as the third-highest run-scorer with 182 runs, highlighted by two fifties.
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Speaking to ANI, Milind made it clear that the USA camp is well aware of Abhishek's match-winning ability. "Abhishek Sharma will be the key player and he can turn the match alone."
Milind emphasised that keeping Abhishek quiet in the early stages could be decisive if the Associate nation is to compete with the co-hosts in the marquee encounter. The USA all-rounder, who was part of the American squad in the previous T20 World Cup but did not feature in a match, believes early control could shape the contest.
Before relocating to the United States, Milind built a solid domestic career in India, representing Delhi and later Sikkim in the Ranji Trophy. He also spent time with IPL franchises Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, though he did not get an opportunity to take the field in the tournament.
A prolific performer at the domestic level, Milind finished as the leading run-scorer in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season. He was part of Delhi's IPL squad in 2014 and joined RCB ahead of the 2019 edition. In 2021, Milind announced his retirement from Indian cricket before continuing his career in the United States, signing up for Minor League Cricket.
When Milind shared his memories, "We are ready for the big match against India, and I am excited to play in front of the Wankhede crowd. I met many former colleagues in the field Yesterday and we exchanged many good old memories."
