In the Asia Cup 2025 match against arch-rivals Pakistan, Team India registered a victory by six wickets at the Dubai International Stadium.
Abhishek Sharma was the architect of India`s innings during the 172-run chase against Pakistan. Facing just 39 deliveries, the explosive left-handed batsman smashed 74 runs, which were laced with six boundaries and five maximums.
Following his knock, former Team India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin said that the left-hander is going to “blow the cricketing world apart”.
“I want to tell you that this is not the arrival of Abhishek Sharma, this is just the beginning. He has just started, and he has a long future ahead. He is going to blow the cricketing world apart,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
As Sharma is being nurtured by one of the best white-ball cricketers India has ever produced, Yuvraj Singh, Ashwin is hopeful that he will carry the former all-rounder`s legacy forward.
“Take that in writing. He has so much ability, just like how Yuvraj Singh became India`s marquee white-ball cricketer. The best white-ball batter in limited-overs cricket for India. He can reach that level easily. I think he is going to carry Yuvraj`s legacy forward. He is a phenomenal talent,” said the 39-year-old former cricketer.
During the knock, Sharma smashed five maximums, but Ashwin pointed out one shot that made him reminisce about MS Dhoni`s trademark shot.
“Abhishek Sharma hit an inside-out MS Dhoni-style helicopter cover drive. Everybody will talk about the five sixes that he hit, but I want to talk about this cover drive, because there was finesse in this shot,” said the Tamil Nadu-born cricketer.
“Despite only having one bat swing, he can adjust his downswing. If a batter can make the game look that simple, then why would you not want to watch him day in and day out?” he signed off.
Former England captain Pietersen, too, was effusive in his praise for Abhishek.
“Abhishek Sharma is NEXT LEVEL. He`s the type of player that will fail and look so stupid doing it, BUT he`ll bring smiles and joy to MILLIONS of people throughout his career as he bangs bowlers all over the world. His eye is something else! Keep the AURA, buddy!” Pietersen posted on X.
(With PTI Inputs)