Abhishek Credits Hard Work for Match-Winning 75
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma credited his fearless approach at the crease to relentless training and focused practice sessions after delivering yet another match-winning performance in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s. The 25-year-old, currently the No. 1 ranked T20I batter, smashed a blistering 75 off just 37 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes, as India stormed into the final with a 41-run victory over Bangladesh.
The left-hander’s innings marked his second straight half-century in the Super 4s, following his 74-run effort against Pakistan, further cementing his position as a vital match-winner at the top of the order.
Calm Mindset and Powerplay Focus
“I was just doing my job. I have told before as well that I do not think much (while going in to bat) and go with the flow,” Abhishek said after claiming his second consecutive man-of-the-match award.
“If it is in my range, even if it is the first ball, I go for it and try to get the power play (going) for my team.”
Explaining his game plan against Bangladesh, he added: “In a few matches, I wanted to go (after the first ball). There are certain bowlers who want to go for a wicket off the first ball. In this match, because this was a new pitch, I wanted to check how it was doing. It was swinging and seaming.”
“I always try to go with the field, because there are certain shots I back really hard. I see the field and then go for the shots. I am not someone who goes all-out like that.”
Practice and Parental Guidance Shape His Batting
Abhishek revealed that his attacking game stems from years of consistent work in the nets and the early influence of his father, Rajkumar Sharma, a former first-class cricketer, who always encouraged him to trust his instincts and reminded him that “balls are meant to be hit.”
“I have done a lot of work in practice sessions — I feel that is the time when batters get time to work on themselves,” he said.
“I had a plan that if I have to play with such intent, I have to practice really hard for it. When you play too many shots in the nets, there are chances you can get out. It was in my mind not to get out while playing too many shots.”
Powered by Abhishek’s explosive start, India posted 168/6 before bowling out Bangladesh for 127 in 19.3 overs. They now await the winner of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh clash to decide their opponent in Sunday’s final.
Strategic Changes and Skipper’s Analysis
India fielded an unchanged XI, but captain Suryakumar Yadav tweaked the batting order by sending Shivam Dube in at No. 3 to counter Bangladesh’s spin attack.
“They had a left-arm spinner and a leg-spinner and Dube was the perfect match-up. His entry point (between overs 7-15) was also perfect. It did not go well but going ahead, we will definitely try doing that,” said Suryakumar.
Reflecting on the team’s batting slowdown in the final overs, he added: “If the outfield would have been really fast, it would have been 180-185 but with the bowling lineup we have, if we bowl 12-14 good overs, we will win on most occasions.”
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