Subramaniam Badrinath, who represented Chennai Super Kings during his playing career, has entered the ongoing debate about which batter currently poses the greatest threat in T20I cricket. The discussion has centred on England's Harry Brook, whose aggressive technique has established him among the world's leading T20I batters, and India's Abhishek Sharma, whose recent performances have drawn widespread attention across the international game.

Badrinath expressed his conviction that Abhishek stands above Brook as the most destructive force in the shortest international format. He pointed to Abhishek's stunning numbers in T20I cricket. The Punjab batter has scored 2,267 runs in 71 T20Is at an average of 33.34 and a strike rate of 196.62. On the other hand, Brook has also played the same number of matches in the shortest format and scored 1,702 runs at an average of 36.21 and a strike rate of 164.93.

"I think Abhishek is one of the most devastating hitters. It is enough to instill fear within the bowlers in the powerplay even though he has a baby face. His batting is on the next level." Badrinath said in a video on his YouTube channel.

"The English media can say Harry Brook is the best right now. But there is no chance. It is Abhishek and he has got the numbers," he added.

Why does Badrinath back Abhishek over Brook?

Wellington hosted India's third T20I against New Zealand, where Abhishek produced a breathtaking century during the chase. He reached three figures in 35 balls before being dismissed for 113 off 38 deliveries. India successfully pursued New Zealand's total of 199, securing victory with 40 balls remaining and a six-wicket margin. The left-hander's quickfire knock demonstrated the explosive batting that has defined his recent T20I form.

Abhishek's T20I record provides substantial backing for Badrinath's assessment. He holds the fastest T20I hundred by an Indian player, a 30-ball effort against Afghanistan in Delhi. His Wellington century equalled the third-fastest T20I hundred overall, matching the records of David Miller and Rohit Sharma. During the same innings, Abhishek also struck a 15-ball fifty, the joint third-fastest by an Indian in T20Is.

Following his performance in Wellington, Abhishek reclaimed the top spot in ICC T20I batter rankings. He has also surpassed Virat Kohli's tally to hold the most T20I centuries for India. These achievements reflect his consistency and impact in the format over recent matches.

What are Badrinath's concerns over India's opening combination?

Badrinath also addressed India's opening partnership strategy in the series against New Zealand, expressing uncertainty about the team's approach. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek opened the innings in the third T20I, with Sooryavanshi scoring 45 off 19 balls. India made 118 in the powerplay during that match. However, in the fourth T20I, a fit-again Ishan Kishan replaced the 15-year-old in the playing XI and Samson went back to opening the batting with Abhishek. Badrinath questioned the long-term direction of India's opening combination and the placement of other batters in the lineup.

"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek opened and that was a surprise for me. I am still confused. Yes, India made 118 in the powerplay. But who should open?" Badrinath said.

"Vaibhav or Sanju Samson? Samson at three I feel is not fair. I don't know where this is going. But if they decide something, they need to stick to it," he added.