'Day by day, he is scoring more runs' - Sri Lanka legend hails Abhishek Sharma for 2025 Asia Cup heroics

Published - 27 Sept 2025, 16:20 IST | Updated - 27 Sept 2025, 16:26 IST

Sri Lankan head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has praised Abhishek Sharma's batting display of late. Abhishek has been in electric form during Asia Cup 2025 in the leadup to the final, striking at an incredible 204.63 in six matches so far.

When asked whether he saw any similarities between a young Jayasuriya and Abhishek during the post-match interaction, Jayasuriya complimented Abhishek believing in playing his natural game.

“He (Abhishek) is playing his natural game and they (team management) have encouraged him to play his natural game. That’s crucial because if someone is playing his natural game, we need to encourage him to continue doing so," Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by News18.

The destructive left-handed batter also shed light on how Abhishek has slowly but surely learned how to pace his innings post the completion of the powerplay. He reiterated his point of the team management endorsing Abhishek's natural gameplay.

“Whenever he wants to slow down a bit, he knows how to do that now. So, after six overs (of powerplay) if he wants to bat for a longer period, he is doing that. Day by day, he is scoring more runs and batting really well. I think the positive aspect is the coaching staff has given him the freedom to play his natural game. That’s the key," he added.

Abhishek struck 61 off 31 in India's final Super Four clash against the Lankans at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. His high-octane innings comprised eight fours and two sixes. His knock played an integral role in taking India to 202/5.

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Pathum Nissanka (107 off 58) scored more than half the runs Sri Lanka needed to win but his knock went in vain as Indian spinners fought back in the middle overs. The match eventually got tied and Arshdeep Singh's Super Over brilliance meant the Men in Blue edged the Charith Asalanka-led unit in a tightly-contested fixture. The Men in Blue will now take on Pakistan in the final at the same venue on Sunday, September 28.