Abhishek Sharma: The next Virender Sehwag or a never-seen-before talent for team India

Abhisehek Sharma and Virender Sehwag for India - (Source : AFP)

The bowlers that Viru paaji has hit, I don’t think there’s anyone like those bowlers - These were Abhishek Sharma's words speaking to Virender Sehwag after his blistering knock vs Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

Indian cricket is on a different league since Abhishek Sharma's arrival. The southpaw is on a roll with the bat and has justified why he is the No. 1-ranked batter in the world. The latest rise has also brought a comparsion with India legend, who had a game similar to Abhishek. 

A revolution in powerplay; the first after Virender Sehwag

In the ongoing Asia Cup T20 2025, Sharma broke a massive record and became the first player to breach the 300-run mark. Besides bringing an ultra-aggressive side, Abhishek has also brought a powerplay revolution to the team. 

Abhishek Sharma has transformed the first six overs from a conservative, wicket-saving phase into a period of relentless aggression and tactical dominance. Under the mentorship of Yuvraj Singh, Sharma has changed the approach towards the game, reminding one of a young Virender Sehwag; the only thing he found difficult, though, was to defend a ball. 

Before & After: India's Powerplay Transformation

Abhishek Sharma vs Virender Sehwag—Sehwag 2.0 or his own blueprint?

There are parallels between Abhishek Sharma and his idol, Virender Sehwag—both are natural attackers, ready to go after the bowling from the first delivery. But Sharma's T20I numbers already surpass those of Sehwag, who was an original trailblazer in white-ball cricket.

Even Virender Sehwag himself has been moved to comment: “The biggest thing is that his strike rate is close to 200…to maintain that across so many games is a sign of someone truly special.”

Analysts see Abhishek as more than a "Sehwag 2.0"—he’s a prototype for modern T20 openers: ultra-aggressive, dynamic against both pace and spin, and unafraid to put bowlers under immediate pressure. His six-per-innings ratio and ability to power through pace and spin alike indicate he is setting a higher bar than even Sehwag in the T20 format.

Sehwagian essence: The similarities

Abhishek Sharma is widely recognized as the closest India has come to a left-handed Sehwag reincarnation. Both openers believe in one thing -  “see ball, hit ball” philosophy—demolishing bowlers from the very first ball and putting fielding sides on immediate alert. 

Both batsmen have redefined aggression in Indian cricket, using minimal footwork and maximum intent. Sharma, like Sehwag, possesses an almost irreducible approach—ignoring noise, focusing sharply on the ball, and treating even the game’s best bowlers with scant respect. This nonchalance and calm under pressure are trademarks both share and not to miss out the power-hitting , where there is little to no scope for a half-hearted shot.

The blueprint of His own: Differences and distinctions

Despite the obvious similarities, Sharma is quick to dismiss direct comparison with Sehwag, openly stating that the “bowlers Sehwag faced were on a different level”. Sharma praises Sehwag but insists the modern game’s dynamics, with more varied fielding restrictions and complex bowling combinations, require a fresh approach.

 Abhishek thrives in the powerplay by not only hitting big but by maximizing boundary percentage and manipulating bowlers to bowl in his arc. His batting mantra—“If it’s in my arc, even if it’s the first ball, I’ll go after it”—shows supreme confidence and a unique mental make-up.

Ravichandran Ashwin points out the finesse in Sharma’s technique: a single down swing that adjusts dynamically, producing not just power but elegance—unlike Sehwag’s often brute-force method. 

Sharma’s selfless attitude and his ability to not lose tempo even after powerplays are rare traits, clearly visible in his Asia Cup and IPL outings. He’s also shown a knack for adapting across formats with success—not limited by T20’s demands.

Although, one area where Abhishek Sharma lacks behind Sehwag and as pointed out by the India legend is that the youngster often fails to convert his 70s into centuries and throw his wicket away in his 80s, which was not the case with Sehwag.

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