ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

West Indies legend Brian Lara has lauded Indian batting sensation Abhishek Sharma, calling him "something very special." Lara, who mentored Sharma at Sunrisers Hyderabad, highlighted the 23-year-old's impressive bat speed and his ambition to play Test cricket, setting him apart from his peers.

Abhishek Sharma delivered match-winning performances in the Asia Cup 2025, notably dominating Shaheen Shah Afridi. His extraordinary display earned him the Player of the Tournament award and a record-breaking 931 rating points in the ICC T20I Rankings, surpassing all previous records. The 25-year-old left-hander has firmly established himself as a top T20 batter.

Rising star Abhishek Sharma received a hero's welcome after his scintillating Player of the Tournament performance at the Asia Cup 2025. His explosive 314 runs, including three half-centuries, were crucial as India lifted the trophy. The 25-year-old opener consistently provided rapid starts, cementing his reputation as a top prospect.

Shashi Tharoor questioned Sanju Samson's batting position after India won the 2025 Asia Cup. He asked why Shubman Gill opened instead of Samson. Both players had modest performances in the tournament. Tharoor suggested restoring Samson to opener and placing Gill at number three. Samson contributed to stabilizing the innings during the final match.

India’s Abhishek Sharma credited coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav for instilling the confidence to play fearless cricket in the Asia Cup 2025. Speaking after India’s five-wicket win over Pakistan, Sharma praised their support and leadership, reflected on his personal journey, and took a subtle swipe at the ACC over the champions being denied the trophy.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav's dismal batting form persisted in the Asia Cup 2025 final, scoring just 1 run against arch-rivals Pakistan. His overall tournament performance was largely forgettable, marked by low scores and an average of 18.00, raising significant concerns for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

India clinched the 2025 Asia Cup with a five-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (September 28). Sahibzada Farhan’s fiery fifty set up Pakistan, but a stunning collapse from 113/1 to 146 all out handed India the edge. Tilak Varma’s gritty 69* and Shivam Dube’s power-hitting ensured India overcame early setbacks to seal another tense India-Pakistan classic.

Sanju Samson is quietly building a strong case to become India's greatest T20I wicketkeeper-batter in multi-nation tournaments. With 108 runs in the Asia Cup, he needs just 64 more in the final to surpass Rishabh Pant's record. Samson has also become India's leading T20I wicketkeeper in sixes, showcasing his destructive ability and adaptability across batting positions.

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma is on the verge of shattering T20I records held by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Rizwan as India prepares for the Asia Cup final. With 309 runs in the tournament, he needs just 11 more to surpass Kohli's record and 23 to break Phil Salt's. He has also equaled a record for consecutive 30-plus scores.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla is highly optimistic about India winning the T20 Asia Cup 2025, as the undefeated team prepares for a historic final against Pakistan on September 28. India has showcased brilliant form, with Abhishek Sharma emerging as the top batter and Kuldeep Yadav leading the wicket-takers, including two decisive victories over Pakistan.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav offered heartfelt support to Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage, who recently lost his father, during the Asia Cup Super 4s. Despite his personal tragedy, Wellalage played, while India secured a thrilling Super Over victory against Sri Lanka, setting up a final clash with archrival Pakistan.

India had an injury scare as Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma left the field during the Sri Lanka clash, but bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed both suffered only cramps. While Hardik will be reassessed before the Pakistan final, Abhishek is fit. Morkel admitted India haven’t played a “complete game” yet and stressed sharper execution across departments.

Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar mistakenly referred to Abhishek Bachchan instead of Abhishek Sharma during an Asia Cup discussion. Bachchan, known for his wit, humorously responded on X, stating he's not good at cricket and implying the Pakistani team couldn't even get him out. His viral comeback, taking a dig at the team, delighted netizens and became an internet sensation.

Abhishek Bachchan humorously reacted after Shoaib Akhtar mistakenly referred to cricketer Abhishek Sharma as the actor during a live show discussing the India-Pakistan Asia Cup final. Akhtar's on-air blooper left panellists in splits, prompting Bachchan's witty reply on X, stating even he couldn't get out. This viral moment blended cricket and Bollywood ahead of the highly anticipated final.

Shoaib Akhtar believes Pakistan can defeat India in the Asia Cup 2025 final by dismissing Abhishek Sharma early and maintaining an aggressive mindset. Akhtar emphasized the importance of targeting Sharma in the initial overs, suggesting that his early dismissal could destabilize the Indian batting lineup. He also anticipates Gautam Gambhir will motivate India to bring their best game against Pakistan.

Abhishek Sharma's impressive 75 propelled India to a 41-run victory over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup Super 4, securing their spot in the final. Despite his run-out denying him a century, his sister Komal remains optimistic, crediting Yuvraj Singh's mentorship. Sharma also broke records, hitting 17 sixes in the tournament.

Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting continued in the Asia Cup, highlighted by a rapid half-century against Bangladesh. Surpassing Yuvraj Singh, he now holds five scores of fifty or more in 25 balls or fewer in T20Is. His knock of 75, combined with Shubman Gill's contribution, propelled India to a very strong start.

The high-voltage India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash witnessed heated exchanges both on and off the field. Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill were involved in confrontations with Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf, escalating tensions. Rauf further stoked controversy with a provocative gesture towards the crowd, referencing unverified claims of downing Indian jets.

Sanju Samson scored a scratchy 45-ball 56 on a sluggish Abu Dhabi pitch against Oman and looked all at sea during his 17-ball stay at the crease against Pakistan in Dubai. He struggles when the ball gets soft, and with Jitesh Sharma waiting in the wings, it will be interesting to see how long India persist with Sanju Samson.

Sunil Gavaskar praised Tilak Varma's fearless batting after India's dominant Asia Cup victory over Pakistan. Varma's audacious strokes against Shaheen Shah Afridi sealed the win, leaving Gavaskar impressed. India's strong opening partnership and Pakistan's struggles with the ball further contributed to India's commanding performance, positioning them favourably in the Super 4 standings.