Former India opener Virender Sehwag has heaped praise on young talent Abhishek Sharma for his incredible match-winning innings during India’s Super Four triumph over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. In pursuit of a challenging target of 172 runs, the dynamic left-hander unleashed a blistering knock, smashing 74 runs off just 39 balls. His aggressive intent right from the start of the innings set the perfect tone for India’s victory.
Sehwag lauded Sharma’s attacking mindset, emphasizing the critical importance of being ready to seize scoring opportunities from the very first delivery. “I always say that you should be ready on the first ball because the bowler can bowl a warm-up delivery. The bowler tries to open up his body, and he can bowl a loose ball in such a scenario, and Abhishek Sharma is ready from the first ball, that he would hit if it’s in his area,” Sehwag shared with Sony Sports.
He highlighted Sharma’s exceptional ability to quickly assess field placements and ruthlessly punish any errors in line or length from the bowlers. “He saw a short ball and pulled it because the fine leg was up. Even if he had been behind, it would have been a six. If the bowler bowls full, he hits straight. He won’t spare you if you don’t bowl at the right spot,” Sehwag explained.
The former swashbuckling opener was particularly impressed by Sharma’s remarkable consistency in maintaining a strike rate close to 200 across numerous matches. “The biggest thing is that his strike rate is close to 200. You can maintain a strike rate of 200 in one, two, or five matches, but he has played a lot of matches. It’s slightly difficult to maintain a strike rate of 200 in so many matches, but he is doing that extremely well. The bowlers are scared of him, as to where they should bowl to him. It’s fine if they get him out, but it’s a problem if they don’t,” he observed.
With his fearless and consistent batting performances, Sharma has not only been a pivotal force in India’s victories but has also compelled opposing bowlers to drastically re-evaluate their strategies, firmly establishing his immense value in the dynamic shortest format of the game.