Abhishek Sharma’s explosive performance in Asia Cup 2025 has firmly established him among India’s brightest cricketing talents. The left-hander, mentored by legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, scored 314 runs in seven games. He won the Player of the Tournament title for his dominant performances. His fearless strokeplay and calculated aggression, shaped by Yuvraj’s guidance, impressed everyone. That consistency has now lifted him to the No.1 spot in ICC’s T20I batting rankings.
Yuvraj’s Role in Shaping Abhishek’s Temperament
“Single bhi lelo Maharaj (Take a single as well),” joked Yuvraj Singh under Abhishek’s Instagram post — a light-hearted nudge at his protégé’s aggressive style. Abhishek has frequently acknowledged Yuvraj’s influence in shaping his mindset and refining his approach. During the tournament, he consistently attacked the bowlers in the powerplay, prioritizing boundaries over singles. He also formed a formidable opening partnership with Shubman Gill. The only blemish in his otherwise dominant campaign was a rare failure in the final against Pakistan.
Insights From IPL: Simon Helmot on Abhishek’s Growth
Simon Helmot, assistant coach of SunRisers Hyderabad, who has worked closely with Abhishek Sharma and previously with Yuvraj, believes the two share a similar batting philosophy.
“I see some similarities between Yuvraj and Abhishek. One thing I was always impressed with when working with Yuvi back in 2016 was his power hitting. It was all about playing with a full, clean bat face, striking the ball… And I do see that with Abhi, too,” said Simon.
Helmot highlighted that Abhishek’s development has come through consistent effort and deliberate training methods. “His work ethic has been excellent. He’s continually developed and grown his game through sheer hard work,” he noted. Rather than focusing solely on clearing the ropes, Abhishek dedicates training sessions to finding gaps, maintaining balance, and replicating real-match scenarios.
Planning, Preparation, and Mindset Behind the Success
A testament to Abhishek’s preparation was seen in the Super 4s clash against Pakistan, where he fearlessly took on Shaheen Afridi from the very first delivery — lifting a short ball for six.
“He tries to make sure that he studies the opposition, knows what he’s going to come up against and then tries to train accordingly,” Simon explained.
Mental composure is a cornerstone of Abhishek’s game. His pre-innings rituals — including moments of calm focus before stepping out — reflect his meticulous preparation. “He just wants to make sure the training is purpose-built… so he can go into a game with full confidence,” Simon added.
Travishek Duo: Redefining IPL Powerplays
Abhishek’s partnership with Travis Head, popularly known as “Travishek,” has emerged as one of the IPL’s most dangerous opening combinations. “I think they both have benefited from each other… it’s changed the landscape of the power play in IPL,” Simon remarked.
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