Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has credited Rohit Sharma for Abhishek Sharma’s meteoric rise in T20Is for India as the opener continues to thrill fans with his performances. Abhishek made his debut in the Indian team just after the T20 World Cup win, after which Rohit and Virat Kohli retired from the team.
Since then, Abhishek has scored 596 runs in 19 matches with an average of 33.11 at a strike-rate of 195.40. Speaking to Sony Sports, Jadeja claimed that Rohit’s selfless approach in white-ball has enabled young batters like Abhishek to go ahead with the mantra of attacking from the get-go.
“He (Abhishek Sharma) is a dominating player. What I will add is that the entire team have played a role in his success because to accept that we will play in this manner, Rohit Sharma originated this. He isn’t here, but he has put this habit,” said Jadeja.
“Otherwise, the way he got out, two years ago, six years ago, or even 10 years ago, he may have been questioned for scoring 30 runs and getting out. The point is that only if he looks to hit can he get out. The confidence that he is getting, the team appreciating him for his style of play and the eighth batter in the team is allowing him to bat in this manner”.
‘Abhishek goes everywhere to play matches’
Abhishek Nayar, who was also part of the conversation, revealed the hunger that the southpaw has more playing cricket. Nayar said that Abhishek heads to different places to play cricket and get some practice under his belt.
“He goes everywhere to play matches. When he is not playing for India, whether it is in Delhi or Dehradun or Rajasthan, or Mumbai, wherever there is cricket happening, wherever there is a ground, wherever he can get a chance, Abhishek Sharma goes there to practice. He’s not got the talent, but he is also diligent. The mindset to become a cricketer is most important to him,” said Nayar.
Abhishek has scored 61 runs from two matches in the Asia Cup 2025 at a strike-rate of 210.34.
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