Virender Sehwag, former Indian opener, praised Abhishek Sharma for his match-winning innings in India's Super Four triumph against Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2025. Chasing 172, the left-hander scorched his way to 74 in 39 balls, setting the tone with his aggressive purpose.

Sehwag praised Sharma's aggressive approach from the start, emphasizing the necessity of staying watchful for early scoring opportunities.

"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 told Sony Sports.

Abhishek Sharma has played 21 T20Is, scoring 708 runs at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 197.21. He had two centuries and three fifties with the highest score of 135.

Sehwag further explained Abhishek Sharma’s gameplay as he said that the left-hander easily exploits field placements and punishes bowlers for erring in line or length.

"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 said.

Sehwag was also stunned by Abhishek’s consistency and maintained a strike rate of over 200 across so many 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," Sehwag stated.

Abhishek Sharma has made bowlers think about bowling perfectly from ball one or getting punished. India will play Bangladesh on September 24, 2025, in Dubai in the Asia Cup Super Fours stage.