India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma turned heads during a fiery practice session ahead of the Asia Cup match versus the UAE, smashing between 25 to 30 sixes in nets. It wasn’t just the volume of big hits that caught people’s attention—it was the timing, balance, and ease with which they were launched, suggesting his bat is very much ready for serious T20 action.
On what was an optional net session at the ICC Academy in Dubai, Sharma spent an hour in full power-hitting mode. According to multiple reports, many of his aerial strokes cleared the boundary with comfort, and he showed sharp hand-eye coordination rather than brute force. Observers noted that he mixed aggression with smart shot selection—carefully picking balls to loft rather than trying to muscle everything.
While Sharma was at it, other batters like Shubman Gill were also working through intense drills, particularly aiming to sharpen shots against both pace and spin. The high-intensity net atmosphere, with bowlers pushing all out and fielding tight, made it feel less like practice and more like preparation for battle. Senior players rested that day, while younger and mid-squad players were drafted in to support high-tempo batting work.
The session sends a clear message: Sharma is in shape, both physically and mentally, to lead India’s aggressive opening charge. With India set to chase a small total in the UAE opener, his form gives the top order a strong start-up boost. It also raises expectations: fans and selectors will be watching closely to see if this form translates into match performance.
Sharma’s strength has often been explosive starts. In past games, he has shown glimpses of power-hitting, but consistency and finishing power have sometimes been questioned. A practice outing like this suggests he is working to close that gap. Clearing the ropes with frequency in nets—especially with variety in the bowling—often correlates with good match readiness. For Sharma, this could reinforce his confidence and his value as an opening partner in high-scoring games.
This practice performance comes in the wake of India’s dominant win over UAE, where Sharma made 30 off 16 balls and Shubman Gill chipped in with 20 not out, sealing a nine-wicket win in just 4.3 overs. While the match pitch and small target helped, Sharma’s form in the nets helps explain how he was able to deliver so aggressively right from the start.
There are also implications for India’s strategy in the Asia Cup: a top-order that starts fast and hits aerially puts immediate pressure on opposition bowlers, often yielding weak or cautious fields early. Considering India’s depth, having multiple batters who can replicate Sharma’s blistering net session performance will make them harder to contain.
Of course, practice is not the same as match situation, and nets don’t always replicate pressure, crowd noise, or the tactical shifts of international bowling attacks. But when a player is swinging freely and timing well, as Sharma clearly was, there is little reason not to believe it will carry through.
In short, Abhishek Sharma’s net blitz is more than just a headline—it’s an early warning to opponents. With six-hitting form this sharp, he may well set the tone for India’s batting in the Asia Cup. If this turns into match momentum, India’s top order could become even more dangerous than many had already anticipated.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025