Ravichandran Ashwin, former India all-rounder and cricket strategist, has hailed Abhishek Sharma as India’s next-generation X-factor, advocating for his inclusion within the ODI squad. The younger left-handed opener has been a revelation in T20Is, however his constant performances in 2025 and the Asia Cup have strengthened requires his transition to the 50-over format.
Abhishek Sharma: Redefining India’s Powerplay Batting
Abhishek Sharma has been a cornerstone of India’s T20I technique since his debut submit the 2024 World Cup. In 33 T20Is, he has accrued 1,115 runs at an astonishing strike charge of 188.02, together with two centuries and 6 fifties. Throughout the Asia Cup, Abhishek topped the run charts with 314 runs at a strike charge of 200, hitting 19 sixes. Ashwin famous that Sharma has “reimagined India’s powerplay batting” and will probably turn out to be the Males’s Group Participant of the 12 months.
Sharma’s consistency earned him a spot in India A and secured his place within the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup squad. His adaptability and aggressive stroke play make him a pure candidate for ODI choice, filling a significant function on the high of the order.
Varun Chakravarthy: India’s Bowler of the 12 months
Alongside Abhishek Sharma, Ashwin singled out Varun Chakravarthy as India’s standout bowler. As soon as sidelined, Chakravarthy has reinvented himself as a thriller spinner, making a major influence in each ODIs and T20Is. In 2025, he picked up 36 T20I wickets and 10 ODI wickets, cementing his standing as a dependable match-winner. Ashwin highlighted that Chakravarthy’s distinctive bowling model and psychological resilience have made him an indispensable asset, notably in India’s white-ball technique.
Chakravarthy’s journey from fifth-division cricket in Chennai to the highest of the T20I rankings displays his perseverance and adaptableness. His function might be pivotal in India’s title protection on the 2026 T20 World Cup, the place spin technique might decide match outcomes.
Veteran Affect: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Whereas spotlighting rising stars, Ashwin additionally praised veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for his or her enduring starvation to win a 50-over World Cup. Each gamers have showcased sensible type in home tournaments, with Rohit scoring 155 for Mumbai and Kohli hitting 131 and 77 within the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Their continued excellence gives a mix of expertise and management that enhances the youthful exuberance of gamers like Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy.