India’s triumphant Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Pakistan was largely fueled by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting prowess throughout the tournament. In a post-match interview, the confident left-handed opener didn’t hold back, making a notable remark aimed at Pakistan’s acclaimed fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
(Image Caption: Shaheen Shah Afridi of Pakistan engages with Abhishek Sharma of India and Shubman Gill of India.)
Sharma, reflecting on his aggressive batting philosophy, stated, “Spinners, fast bowlers, any of the premium fast bowlers as well…I had it in my mind that I had to go from the first ball. That is going to help me give impact to my team, and that is what happened.” This statement is widely perceived as a playful jab at Afridi, especially considering Abhishek had famously hit him for a six on the very first ball he faced during their Super Four clash earlier in the tournament.
Abhishek’s consistent and impactful performances were pivotal for India, setting the tone in all their matches. The 25-year-old emerged as the leading run-scorer of the tournament, accumulating an impressive 314 runs in seven innings at an average of 44.85 and a remarkable strike rate of 200. His crucial partnerships, particularly with vice-captain Shubman Gill, ensured India got blazing starts, laying robust foundations for their victories.
Recognized for his outstanding consistency and significant impact, Abhishek was rightfully named the Player of the Tournament, receiving a car as part of his award. He expressed his delight, saying, “Getting a car is always a pleasure. Getting into this team after winning the World Cup was not easy for any opener. We had a plan to play our game and show our intent from the first ball. We worked really hard on that.”
Sharma also acknowledged the unwavering support he received, crediting captain Suryakumar Yadav, the coaching staff, and the overall team environment for fostering his fearless approach. He emphasized, “If you play like this, you need special support from the coach and captain, and that is what I have been getting. If I do well and get those impact innings for the team, we should win.”
Although both Abhishek and Shubman Gill were dismissed early in the final match against Pakistan, India secured a five-wicket triumph thanks to Tilak Varma’s anchoring knock of 69 not out, with valuable support from Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube. Earlier in the match, India’s bowlers, including Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel, showcased a disciplined performance, restricting Pakistan to a total of 146 runs all out, ultimately sealing India’s ninth Asia Cup title.