'He has put this habit': Ajay Jadeja credits Rohit Sharma behind Abhishek Sharma's success in T20Is

In bare minimum time Abhishek Sharma has become the backbone of India's batting in the T20Is as the the star southpaw has proved his batting might since the time he made his debut for the Men in Blue. His batting has only gotten better with time and former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja feels Rohit Sharma has played a big role in it. Jadeja believes that Rohit's selfless approach in white-ball cricket has allowed younger players like Abhishek to adopt an aggressive batting style from the start.

Ajay Jadeja credits Rohit Sharma for Abhishek Sharma's surge

Abhishek made his T20I debut for India shortly after the team's T20 World Cup victory, following the retirements of both Rohit and Virat Kohli. In the 19 matches he has played since then, Abhishek has been a revelation, scoring 596 runs at an average of 33.11 with a remarkable strike rate of 195.40.

“He (Abhishek Sharma) is a dominating player. What I will add is that the entire team have played a role in his success because to accept that we will play in this manner, Rohit Sharma originated this. He isn’t here, but he has put this habit,” said Jadeja during a conversation with Sony Sports.

“Otherwise, the way he got out, two years ago, six years ago, or even 10 years ago, he may have been questioned for scoring 30 runs and getting out. The point is that only if he looks to hit can he get out. The confidence that he is getting, the team appreciating him for his style of play and the eighth batter in the team is allowing him to bat in this manner,” he added.

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Meanwhile, former India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar feels it's the hunger for cricket which is the main reason behind Abhishek's rise. He also feels it's not just the talent, but also the diligent which makes Abhishek the player he is now.

“He goes everywhere to play matches. When he is not playing for India, whether it is in Delhi or Dehradun or Rajasthan, or Mumbai, wherever there is cricket happening, wherever there is a ground, wherever he can get a chance, Abhishek Sharma goes there to practice. He’s not got the talent, but he is also diligent. The mindset to become a cricketer is most important to him,” Nayar said.

Abhishek continues to wreak havoc with his batting in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. In the first two matches, the 25-year-old has amassed 61 runs at a strike rate of 210.34. In India's Group A clash against UAE, Abhishek cracked a quickfire 16-ball 30, while in the next game against Pakistan, he hammered an explosive 13-ball 31.