Former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja has given credit to ODI captain Rohit Sharma for Abhishek Sharma’s fearless batting approach in the ongoing Asia Cup. In the opening game against UAE, Sharma scored 30 runs off just 16 balls as he took the attack to the opposition from the get-go.

The left-hander then scored another blistering knock of 31 runs off just 13 balls in the second game against arch-rivals Pakistan. Sharma smashed Shaheen Shah Afridi for a four on the first ball and then scored a maximum on the second delivery.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has played a key role in inculcating the aggressive approach in the white-ball format as he has led from the front.

Jadeja said on Sony Sports, “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.”

“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”.

On the other hand, former Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar said Abhishek Sharma is willing to play everywhere when he isn’t playing for India and said the batter is hungry to improve his game.

“He goes everywhere to play matches. When he is not playing for India, whether it is in Delhi or Dehradun or Rajasthan, or Mumbai, wherever there is cricket happening, wherever there is a ground, wherever he can get a chance, Abhishek Sharma goes there to practice. He’s not got the talent, but he is also diligent. The mindset to become a cricketer is most important to him,” Nayar said.

India will next take on Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday.