Pathan noted that Sharma's high bat angle and tendency to play across the wicket, rather than hitting straight, has led to his dismissals against off-spinners. The former India player warned against drastic changes to Sharma's natural technique, advising the opener to get off the mark first before targeting fast bowlers.
Meanwhile, Pathan praised Ishan Kishan's current form while noting he wants to see how the left-hander handles South Africa's strategy of bowling wide early in the innings.