Not Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin labels this star as best Indian player of 2025

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin lavished praise on destructive batter Abhishek Sharma for his consistent performance in the shortest format of the game. Abhishek, who made his international debut against Zimbabwe in 2024, has represented India in 33 T20Is where he scored 1115 runs, including two centuries and six half-centuries, with a highest score of 135.

Ashwin on Abhishek Sharma

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, R Ashwin said that the arrival of Abhishek Sharma signalled the arrival of India's next generation X factor player. He also said that he would like to see Abhishek in the ODI format as well.

"It's not just the arrival of Abhishek Sharma, but the arrival of India's next generation X-factor player. If there is one player who has been the best for India in 2025, it has to be him. He has batted really well. He has reimagined India's powerplay batting and has been exceptional. I would love to see him in the ODI format as well. I think he will probably be the Men's team player of the year," Ashwin said.

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Abhishek Sharma's performance in 2025

Abhishek had an exceptional year in T20Is. He is in the form of his life as he amassed 859 runs, which was the most by a batter in T20Is this year. He scored these runs in 21 games, at a staggering average of 42.95. He struck these runs at an exceptional strike rate of 193.46.

He also played a crucial role for India in the Asia Cup 2025 where he ended his campaign as the highest run-getter in the tournament, scoring 214 runs in the tournament from 7 games at a strike rate of 200.

Abhishek's upcoming outing

Abhishek Sharma will now be seen featuring in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will start from January 21. After finishing the series, the southpaw will be seen featuring in the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7, and the title decider will take place on March 8.