Abhishek Sharma’s fearless and attacking batting against Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup Super Four clash has impressed the entire cricket world, but the legendary batter Virender Sehwag, who was also known as the aggressive batter of his era, was not that impressed with the young opener.
Virender Sehwag shared crucial advice with the left-handed batter that he got from the legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar when he was playing for India. Abhishek was the hero in India’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match on September 21 in Dubai.
Abhishek Sharma gets a crucial lesson from Virender Sehwag
The Punjab lad played a match-winning knock of 74 runs off 39 balls, laced with six boundaries and five sixes. He lost his wicket while playing an unnecessary shot following a huge six at wide long-on off Abrar Ahmed. His innings came to an end dramatically.
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Abhishek mistimed a pull shot that went high and straight toward long-on while trying to muscle Abrar Ahmed’s delivery. Haris Rauf ran in, judged it perfectly, and dived low to his knees to complete a stunning catch at the long-on.
Abhishek Sharma, visibly dejected, stood frozen at the crease for a moment before making the long walk back, and many felt he didn’t need to play that shot.
Now, reacting to Abhishek Sharma’s one of the finest knocks of the tournament, one of India’s greatest openers, Virender Sehwag, has offered the Punjab lad golden words of wisdom. Sehwag urged Abhishek to push on for three figures after reaching the 70s or 80s.
Convert the 70s into 100s, don’t repeat my mistakes: Virender Sehwag to Abhishek Sharma
He said that when the youngster looks back at this moment after retirement, he will regret missing this chance. Sehwag revealed that Sunil Gavaskar had once given him that advice. He also advised Abhishek to make it a habit to finish the day unbeaten whenever he is on-song.
Virender Sehwag told Abhishek on Sony Sports Network, “Many, many congratulations, and I would say whenever you reach seventy, don’t miss out on converting it into a hundred. Because this is something Sunil Gavaskar once told me—when you retire, you’ll think back about those innings where you got out on seventy or eighty, and you will regret it.
If only I had converted those, I might have ended up with so many more centuries in my career. These opportunities don’t come again and again. When you’re batting well, on the day that it’s your day, try to remain unbeaten and finish the game for your team—that’s always better. Keep that in mind.”
Viru’s suggestion for Abhishek to convert 70s to 100s. pic.twitter.com/xK6X3PXWSu
— Harishwar Reddy (@ReddyMnc16) September 21, 2025
Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf’s sledges backfire as Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill dominate Pakistan
During the same discussion, Abhishek revealed that the Pakistani bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf repeatedly targeted him and Shubman Gill with personal taunts after almost every delivery. Instead of backing down, the young Indian openers turned the battle into a spectacle.
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Every sledge thrown their way only fueled their fire, and they got a ruthless counterattack that left the Men in Green shell-shocked. Abhishek and Shubman Gill stitched together a blistering 105-run partnership, dismantling Pakistan’s bowling attack with sheer power and composure.
Abhishek Sharma and Gill’s fearless batting helped India beat Pakistan by six wickets in Dubai.
