As India gear up for their Asia Cup 2025 opener against UAE on Wednesday, the spotlight on Tuesday’s optional practice session firmly rested on the blazing form of young IPL sensation Abhishek Sharma. The southpaw turned the nets into a personal exhibition of power-hitting.
Despite the absence of several senior players, including pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, both of whom opted to skip the session, the atmosphere at the practice ground remained electric. According to news agency PTI, the optional nature of the session also saw the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana giving it a miss.
However, the talking point of the day was unquestionably Abhishek, who lit up the training session with audacious strokeplay. In a batting stint that lasted just over an hour, the left-hander launched at least 25 to 30 sixes, many of which cleared the net facility and landed well beyond the boundary ropes. Not relying on brute power, Abhishek’s six-hitting was a testament to his exceptional timing and hand-eye coordination.
His form has not gone unnoticed, and signs point towards the young opener being handed a debut in the Asia Cup clash. Team insiders suggest that Abhishek is likely to open the innings alongside his Punjab Kings teammate and close friend, vice-captain Shubman Gill. The two share a formidable understanding at the top, which could prove crucial in the UAE’s sluggish conditions.
In a surprising turn, Samson, who had been India’s designated T20I opener over the past year, appears to be on the brink of being sidelined. The Kerala batter was reportedly not involved in drills with the core batting group earlier this week, hinting that he might not feature in the playing XI. Instead, the team management appears to be inclined towards Jitesh Sharma, the designated finisher, who is expected to don the gloves as well as slot into the lower-middle order.
Gill, meanwhile, looked elegant in his brief net session, threading deliveries over extra cover with characteristic finesse, as reported by PTI. However, he was momentarily shaken when a searing delivery from a local net bowler breached his defences and clipped the off-stump.
(With inputs from agencies)
