SRI LANKA ‘S HEAD COACH ON ABHISHEK SHARMA

By Anshika Khera

Sri Lanka’s head coach Sanath Jayasuriya praised India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma for his fearless batting. He said the Indian team management has given Abhishek the freedom to play his natural game, which is helping him score runs regularly in the Asia Cup. The 25-year-old hit his third straight half-century as India beat Sri Lanka in the Super Over on Friday. Now, all eyes will be on him in the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final. After a relatively quiet group stage, Abhishek has struck 74 (vs Pakistan), 75 (vs Bangladesh) and 61 (vs Sri Lanka), playing his brand of belligerent cricket.

“He (Abhishek) is playing his natural game and they (team management) have encouraged him to play his natural game,” said the Sri Lankan great when asked if he saw shades of a young Jayasuriya in Abhishek during the post-match interaction.

“Whenever he wants to slow down a bit, he knows how to slow down also now. So, after six overs (of powerplay) if he wants to bat for a longer period, he is doing that. So, day by day he is getting (more) runs and he is batting really well.” Jayasuriya added that the Indian coaches backing the youngster completely has helped Abhishek unleash his batting prowess coming at the top.