The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan in Dubai saw a special presence in the stands as former Indian star Yuvraj Singh arrived to cheer for his “lads” — Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. Both players share a close bond with the 2011 World Cup hero, who has mentored them during their rise in international cricket.
Abhishek Sharma’s paradigm shift
Abhishek Sharma has redefined the T20 opening blueprint for India. With 708 runs off just 359 balls in 21 matches at a staggering strike rate of 197.21, the young left-hander has turned boundary-hitting into his primary scoring method. In fact, in three of India’s recent successful chases at this Asia Cup, Abhishek single-handedly took the opposition out of the game within the first six overs. His fearless approach has freed up the middle-order, making India’s batting unit one of the most feared in the tournament.
The Yuvraj Singh influence
Much of this attacking mindset traces back to Yuvraj Singh’s mentorship. Abhishek, often regarded as Yuvraj’s protégé, mirrors the same philosophy of taking on the bowlers from ball one. The resemblance in their styles — the confidence to clear boundaries at will — underlines the impact of Yuvraj’s guidance. For Sharma, six-hitting isn’t a flourish but a foundation. His numbers back it up: a 32.3% boundary percentage, with 63 fours and 53 sixes at a 1.19:1 ratio.
Powerplay dominance
India’s approach in T20Is has shifted dramatically with Sharma at the top. Where earlier caution prevailed, Sharma has introduced a boundary-first template, forcing opposition teams to alter their powerplay strategies just to contain him. His blistering starts have not only given India a head start but also a psychological advantage.
As Yuvraj Singh cheered from the stands, the symbolic passing of the torch was clear — the fearless, boundary-hitting ethos that defined Yuvraj’s career is now being carried forward by Abhishek Sharma.
