‘He isn’t here, but he has put this habit’ – Ex-India cricketer credits Rohit Sharma for Abhishek Sharma’s T20 dominance

According to former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja, Rohit Sharma has played a significant part in Abhishek Sharma’s emergence as a T20 hitter. Abhishek has cemented his position in India’s T20I squad by playing brave cricket at the top of the order after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the shortest format of international cricket last year. He has made a handful of scorching cameos at the top of the order at the present Asia Cup.

Jadeja believes Rohit was the first to establish the selfless type of batting in T20I cricket, and the younger players have followed with the unapologetic approach. Jadeja praised the team management for encouraging Abhishek to play this style of cricket and not criticising him when he is dismissed after a good start. The former India cricketer stated that having eight batting alternatives in the playing XI has helped the Punjab batsman to play his natural aggressive style.

“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 while speaking on Sony Sports.

“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,” he added.

He’s not only got the talent, but he is also diligent: Abhishek Nayar

Abhishek Nayar, who was also a part of the discussion, revealed that Abhishek Sharma makes it a point to play as many matches as he can, even when he is not representing India or the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The former India assistant coach said that the southpaw does this to get as much practice as he can.