‘Rohit Sharma isn’t there, but he has put this habit’: Jadeja lauds former captain for Abhishek Sharma’s rise as T20I opener

As the opener continues to excite fans with his performances, former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has attributed Rohit Sharma with being a major factor in Abhishek Sharma's ascent in T20I cricket. 

Abhishek Sharma has established himself as a mainstay in India's T20I batting lineup in just 19 games after making his debut following the country's T20 World Cup success and the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit. With a remarkable strike rate of 195.40, he has amassed 596 runs at an average of 33.11.

Ajay Jadeja, a former cricket player for India, praised Abhishek Sharma and called him a "dominating" performer in an interview with Sony Sports. He went on to say that while all of the team members contributed to Abhishek's achievement, Rohit Sharma was the one who started it.

“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.

“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”.

In the Asia Cup 2025, Abhishek once again displayed his daring batting style by scoring a scorching 30 off 16 balls against the United Arab Emirates and an even more impressive 31 off 13 balls against Pakistan. Following two straight victories against Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, India will now play Oman on September 19.

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