Abhishek Sharma Says Patience Helped Him Perfect His Game Before India Breakthrough

Abhishek Sharma, India’s breakout star in the 2025 Asia Cup, attributes his stellar performance to years of hard work in domestic cricket rather than a fast-tracked entry into the senior national team. The 25-year-old, who was part of the 2018 U-19 World Cup-winning squad, took over six years to earn his T20 debut, unlike teammates Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill, who quickly transitioned to the senior side. Abhishek, however, believes the slower journey allowed him to refine his game and build resilience.

In the recently concluded Asia Cup, Abhishek emerged as India’s top batter, scoring 314 runs in seven matches at a blistering strike rate of nearly 200, including three half-centuries. Reflecting on his path, he said, “Some get straight into the team. I felt I needed to do everything. If I had come straight in, I wouldn’t have learnt what I did.” The time spent in domestic cricket, he noted, enabled him to experiment and sharpen his skills, particularly his aggressive batting style and subtle adjustments during high-pressure situations.

Abhishek’s standout performances, except for an early dismissal in the final against Pakistan, showcased his ability to dominate bowlers, especially at a strike rate exceeding 200 against India’s arch-rivals. He credited head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav for fostering an environment of freedom and confidence. “I never felt pressure in any match. Gauti paaji and Surya paaji gave me the freedom to play my game, even though it’s high-risk,” he said, acknowledging that their support helped him navigate the inevitable ups and downs of his aggressive approach.

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Named Player of the Tournament, Abhishek views the Asia Cup as just the beginning of his journey with the Indian team. “There’s still a long way to go. “Miracles will happen,” he said optimistically. His success underscores the value of perseverance and preparation, offering a lesson for young cricketers that a steady climb can yield remarkable results on the international stage.

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