Virender Sehwag reacts to Abhishek Sharma’s first-ball six in IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 clash

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag lauded Abhishek Sharma for being ready to hit the first ball for a maximum in the ongoing Asia Cup. In the Super Four clash against arch-rivals, Sharma smashed Shaheen Shah Afridi for a six on the first ball he faced. Fine leg was within the 30-yard circle, and Sharma pulled Afridi for a six on Sunday while chasing 172.

Sehwag highlighted that a bowler often bowls a warm-up delivery as the first ball and the batter must capitalize on the opportunity. 

Earlier, Sharma had smashed Afridi for a four and a six on the first two balls of the Group A fixture. Furthermore, Sharma had hit a six and a four on the first two balls against the UAE. 

“I always say that you should be ready on the first ball because the bowler can bowl a warm-up delivery. The bowler tries to open up his body, and he can bowl a loose ball in such a scenario, and Abhishek Sharma is ready from the first ball, that he would hit if it’s in his area,” Sehwag said on Sony Sports.

“He saw a short ball and pulled it because the fine leg was up. Even if he had been behind, it would have been a six. If the bowler bowls full, he hits straight. He won’t spare you if you don’t bowl at the right spot,” Sehwag observed.

Sharma scored an impressive knock of 74 runs off 39 balls against Pakistan and scored his runs at a blistering strike rate of 189.74. Sehwag said the bowlers are scared of Abhishek Sharma as he is batting aggressively from the get-go.

“The biggest thing is that his strike rate is close to 200. You can maintain a strike rate of 200 in one, two, or five matches, but he has played a lot of matches. It’s slightly difficult to maintain a strike rate of 200 in so many matches, but he is doing that extremely well. The bowlers are scared of him, as to where they should bowl to him. It’s fine if they get him out, but it’s a problem if they don’t,” he said.

Sehwag praised Sharma for maintaining his shape while playing the big shots against Pakistan.

“His specialty is that he doesn’t move a lot. He remains still. He waits to see where the ball will come, and then moves in that direction and plays his shots, which is a very good thing. If you ask any kid to stand still and keep seeing the ball, cricket becomes easy for him because he then reacts to the ball,” Sehwag observed.

India will next take on Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Wednesday.