“He is an upgraded version of Yuvraj Singh"- Ravichandran Ashwin hails Abhishek Sharma ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 clash

Abhishek Sharma is currently number one ranked T20I batter.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped rich praise on Abhishek Sharma, hailing him as an upgraded version of former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Abhishek is currently with the Indian team for Asia Cup 2025.

With his aggressive batting style, Abhishek has cemented his place as an opener for India in T20I cricket. The left-handed batsman made his international debut last year. So far, he has played 17 T20Is and scored 535 runs at an average of 33.44.

At a spectacular strike rate of 193.85, he has also slammed two centuries and an equal number of half-centuries in the shortest format, including a top knock of 135 runs. Abhishek, who bowls left-arm orthodox spin, has also clinched six wickets in 10 innings.

Abhishek Sharma is an upgraded version of Yuvraj Singh: Ravichandran Ashwin

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin heaped praise on Abhishek and called him an upgraded version of Yuvraj Singh, who was also known for his aggressive batting style in T20I cricket.

“I am keen to see if Abhishek Sharma’s all-out attacking approach works on these surfaces. But what a player, he is an upgraded version of Yuvraj Singh,” he said.

Yuvraj played 58 T20Is for India during his career, smacking 1177 runs in 51 innings at an average of 28.02 and a strike rate of 136.39. He also holds the record for six consecutive sixes in T20I cricket and a quickfire half-century off just 12 deliveries.

Ashwin also feels that Shubman Gill, who has been appointed as the vice-captain of India for Asia Cup 2025, will be under a little pressure after his return to the T20I side.

“There will be some pressure on Shubman Gill to score runs. So at a strike rate of 140-150, he has a great chance to finish as the tournament’s highest run-getter,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gill and Abhishek will open the batting for India in Asia Cup 2025. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Men in Blue in the tournament, where they are placed in Group A alongside Oman, UAE, and Pakistan. Their first match is against UAE on September 10 in Dubai.

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