Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja lauded young opener Abhishek Sharma after his explosive knock in India's Asia Cup 2025 Group A match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday, September 10. 

India bundled the UAE out for just 57 runs, showing their intent from ball one. In response, Abhishek set the tone for the chase in a dynamic cameo, scoring 30 off just 16 balls, back-filling two fours and three sixes, which made sure the defending champions finished the game in just 4.3 overs, winning by nine wickets, with 15.3 overs to spare.

Speaking on Sony Sports, Jadeja spoke about Abhishek's distinct and fearless style at the crease. The former India captain said that the young player almost slaps the ball, and he does not give opposition bowlers any respect at all. "He hits like he is slapping someone. People might be thinking the Indian batting is about to start now, but they had already finished the game in 4.3 overs. And this was the first ball. There is no dignity," Jadeja said.

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Jadeja praises Gill and Abhishek's batting in India’s win over UAE

Jadeja added that Abhishek Sharma differentiates himself from most batters because he prefers off-side to on-side. "He has his own style. The world hits almost always on the on-side for boundaries and sixes. It is not like he doesn't play there, but he tends to favour offside. Most coaches teach bowlers that they should bowl on or outside the off-stump, but he plays the fastest on-axis there," he said.

Abhishek's intention to dominate was apparent when he hit Haider Ali's first ball for six over long-off for India to start their run chase. Other than Abhishek's fireworks, Shubman Gill contributed 20 off 9 balls. The youngsters put on a 48-run opening partnership in just 3.5 overs before Abhishek was dismissed. Suryakumar Yadav (7* off 2) joined Gill to finish their run chase.

Jadeja added that this game was extra special for both Abhishek and Gill as they have grown up playing together. “Growing up, you are a nuisance in your city, smashing your school teams for enjoyment. They have done it at the international cricket level, even if it is against the UAE. They would have envisioned themselves batting together and finishing games like this. This match would be memorable for them," Jadeja said.

With India launching their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in such a dominating manner, Abhishek Sharma's fearless knock highlighted, once again, the potential he has for the future.

Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja believes that Jasprit Bumrah should not be risked in India’s upcoming Asia Cup 2025 group stage clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team management has been particular about the star pacer’s workload, having already rested him in two of the five tests during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.

Bumrah is returning to international white-ball cricket for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup Final. Over the last year, the 31-year-old has played primarily in Tests, only a handful of bilateral T20Is. However, with India building towards the 2026 T20 World Cup, the speedster has once again become an automatic pick in the shortest format.

The pacer recently dealt with a minor niggle at the end of the England tour, but after a rare extended break, he is back in the squad. Yet, Jadeja stressed that India should avoid using Bumrah in matches against weaker sides. Speaking on Sony Sports Network, he remarked, “What is the need to play Bumrah tomorrow, man? Usually, you keep him wrapped in cotton wool. Now you need him even against UAE? Either don’t protect him at all, or if you need to preserve him, then do it in these types of matches. Logic dictates that, but we never do things with logic. I will go on strike if Bumrah plays.”

Irfan Pathan Counters Jadeja’s View

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan had a contrasting take on the matter. He acknowledged the importance of managing Bumrah’s workload but felt that once selected for a tournament, the bowler should play every game. Pathan noted that tournaments are not the stage for partial participation.

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“You need to protect Bumrah, I understand. But what my opinion is, and I have said this during the England tour as well, is that if you have come to play a series, then you have to play it completely. You have not come into a series for recovery or management; you have come to play,” Pathan stated. Bumrah, who missed the 2022 edition due to injury, will feature in the T20 Asia Cup for only the second time in his career. India’s campaign begins on September 10 against UAE at the Dubai International Stadium.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was stated to be the best batter of the five-match Test series between England and India as he started in a great fashion with a century and an 85-run knock in the first couple of fixtures. But his form has suddenly gone down in the last five innings after Jofra Archer squared him up at Lord’s on both occasions.

Jaiswal has scored 293 runs in nine innings at an average of 32.56, and that’s another example of how he started a trip well but found his form going down, exactly like it happened during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 down under. The former India opener, Ajay Jadeja, shed light on what had been going wrong.

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‘At the start, whenever he has failed, his feet come early to where he wants to go. So when the ball comes, the bat should go towards the ball. But with the wrong stance, even when the straight ball is coming, it doesn’t meet the ball in the right direction. So that’s the moment when you start doing that even before taking his feet forward, and that’s more of a mindset than a technique.’ Ajay Jadeja reckoned on Sony Sports.

Watch: India veterans examine Yashasvi Jaiswal’s batting stance during ENG vs IND 2025 series

‘I have experienced it, and I had the same word on Karun Nair. He doesn’t have issues with the short ball, but once you put your feet up, then you hardly have any choice. Then you have to use the hand only.’ Jadeja addressed.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's stance under the microscope 🧐🔬#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/KeHyY86b9J

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 31, 2025

Jaiswal has lost his Test average of 50 as he has collected 2091 runs in 45 innings at 48.63. At Oval, he missed the nip-backer from Gus Atkinson to get wrapped onto the pads as the successful DRS from the home side forced the umpire to raise his finger.

‘The problem is around the heel and toe. If you have gone onto the heel, you can adjust the toe. But you can’t go for the vice versa. Once your entire body weight goes into the toe, you can do anything from then on. And that’s happening with Yashasvi Jaiswal, which always happens with the bowlers in maintaining the pace and line-length.’ The former Indian pacer, RP Singh, added.

The former Indian batter, Ajay Jadeja, reckoned that it would be incredibly hard for the Indian players to digest the 22-run defeat during the third Test of the five-match series against England at Lord’s to go 2-1 down before the fourth Manchester contest. He expressed that after these preparations and strategies, no one wants to finish on the wrong side of the coin.

‘I think it’s tough in the dressing room to think. When you play or remain a part of the dressing room, this thought process can’t come. They will be disappointed the most. There are so many things happening, and the eyes will get on those. But those teams only stand back who realize not to speak on various things on that day immediately.’ Ajay Jadeja spoke during an interaction on Sony Sports Network.  

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‘For today, it will be hard to digest. In various shows, it’s easy for us to talk about sportsmanship, which happens after a certain age. It’s humanly impossible because they prepared for it, made strategies, played hard, and then when you lose by that small margin, it becomes hard to digest.’ He added.

Watch: Ajay Jadeja dissects India’s emotions after defeat in ENG vs IND 3rd Test at Lord’s

The veteran felt that it would be for the outsiders to think of telling stories of this Test to their kids but it won’t be the situation for the players involved in the game. He also pointed out that if that became the case, then there would be a serious issue on the side.

Ajay Jadeja echoes #TeamIndia's emotions following the gut-wrenching loss.#SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/vyNV1WJLDu

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 14, 2025

‘However, teams will get built and destroyed only by this. You were behind, and then you made a comeback. These are moments where either teams break and gets together. Otherwise, for us, we can think of telling the kids stories of this Test match, but it can’t happen for that dressing room. And if that’s the reality, then there is an issue.’ Jadeja explained.

India matches England’s first innings score of 387 at Lord’s. But chasing 193, they lost four wickets on the evening session of the fourth day and later another three wickets in the fifth morning session. Ravindra Jadeja tried hard to keep the hopes alive but it was too late and little to get the positive result.

Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja recently spoke about his very first encounter with star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, presenting a glimpse of the southpaw's aggressive attitude even before he became famous for it.

Speaking on Sony Sports Network (via Times Now), Jadeja recounted an incident from his brief stint as Delhi’s Ranji Trophy coach. At the time, there was a disagreement within the setup, as the team captain wasn’t in favour of including Pant in the squad, while the selectors were pushing for the youngster's inclusion.

Ignoring the criticism, Jadeja invited Pant for a practice session. But the reply he received from the then-teenager was tongue-in-cheek. "Bhaiya, rehne do na, jab zarurat padegi to ghar se bulayenge," Pant had retorted, which meant, "Brother, let it be. When they need me, they'll call me from home."

Jadeja's stint with Delhi team wasn't very long, as he subsequently resigned after falling out with Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). Pant, though, would go on to make his First-Class debut in the 2015-16 Ranji season, scoring 28 and 57 on his debut against Bengal.

From Ranji snub to Test star, Rishabh Pant shines with twin centuries at Headingley

Skip forward to 2025, and Rishabh Pant has made himself one of India's most powerful Test cricketers. Named vice-captain of the current five-match series against England, Pant produced a breathtaking performance for India in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds.

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The 26-year-old was the first Indian wicketkeeper to make twin hundreds in a Test, smashing 134 in the first innings and adding 118 in the second. He joined Zimbabwe great Andy Flower (144 & 199*) as just the second wicketkeeper in Test history to do so.

As luck would have it for India, Pant's brilliance proved to be in vain as England achieved a record run chase. Chasing a staggering 371, the hosts registered a dramatic five-wicket victory, the tenth-highest fourth-innings chase in the history of Test cricket.

With the series now at 1-0 in England's favor, the action shifts to Birmingham for the second Test. India will be looking to make a comeback when they play the hosts at Edgbaston from July 2 to 6. From a snubbed teenager to writing history in Test whites, Pant's journey is also a reminder that belief, talent, and a little swagger go a long way in the game.

There has always been a great connection between cricket and cinema in India, as many cricketers have attempted to try their hands at the silver screen. While some had short assignments in acting, others made significant contributions with films and television. From World Cup heroes to fast bowlers, almost all players crossed over from the pitch to the big screen. Here's a look at Indian cricketers who ventured into the world of entertainment once they left the sports field. 

1. Salil Ankola (India)
Represented India as a fast bowler in the late 1980s.
Quit cricket due to injuries and entered the film world.
Acted in Bollywood films such as Kurukshetra (2000) and Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne (2003).
He also had a good career in television with shows like Karam Apnaa Apnaa and CID.
2. Yograj Singh (India)
Ex-Indian fast bowler and father of Yuvraj Singh.
Quit cricket after a short international career.
Became a well-known actor, mostly in Punjabi films.
Featured in Bollywood movies like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) and Singh is Bling (2015).
3. Sandeep Patil (India)
Hero of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team.
Quit cricket and acted in Kabhi Ajnabi The (1985), a Bollywood film.
The movie bombed, and he turned to coaching and cricket administration.
4. Syed Kirmani (India)
India's 1983 World Cup-winning wicketkeeper.
Acted in Kabhi Ajnabi The (1985) along with Sandeep Patil.
Left acting and pursued cricket administration only.
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5.Salim Durani
A dashing Indian all-rounder known for his ability to hit sixes.
Featured in India's historic Test match victory against England in 1971.
He quit cricketing and acted in "Charitra" (1973) opposite Parveen Babi
Did not carry on his film career actively
6. Ajay Jadeja
Former Indian cricketer who was quite a batsman and fielder.
Involved in a spot-fixing case, which landed him a suspended cricket ban.
Made his Bollywood debut in "Khel" (2003) along with Sunny Deol and Suniel Shetty.
He also featured in "Pal Pal Dil Ke Ssaat" (2009), but acting did not continue.
7. S. Sreesanth
Indian fast bowler known for his aggression and swing bowling.
A life ban was served for IPL spot-fixing, although reduced later.
Created a career for himself in Bollywood with films such as "Aksar 2" (2017) and "Cabaret" (2019).
Featured in South Indian film fraternity and took part in reality shows like Bigg Boss 12.
8. Kirti Azad
He was a member of the squad that won India the 1983 World Cup.
Featured in "Kabhie Ajnabi The" (1985).
Did not continue acting and later became a politician.

Sachin Tendulkar, the former Indian legendary cricketer, made a caption recently where he stated that overs 15-40 of a One Day International (ODI) match can become boring for the spectators. Tendulkar’s comment gets mixed reactions, with some agreeing with his comment, while some marked it as a criticism of this sport itself. That one person who did not take it easy and kindly to Tendulkar’s remarks was former Indian all-rounder Ajay Jadeja.

Jadeja who is well known for his all-round performance expressed his dissent expression with Tendulkar’s statement. Where he stated that there are no boring overs in cricket. A single ball can alter the outcome of the game, he claimed, making every over in a cricket match crucial. The feeling shared by many cricket fans, who consider that each element of the game is significant and enhances the overall enjoyment, was reflected in Jadeja’s remark.

The remarks made by Tendulkar were a reflection of his own experience rather than an attack on cricket, it is crucial to remember. Tendulkar has played cricket at the highest level for more than two decades and is considered one of the best players of all time. After playing and watching the game for so long, it is only logical that he might find some portions of it boring or dull. The middle overs of an ODI are perceived as a gap in the action, and advertisers and broadcasters struggle to keep the audience interested. Tendulkar’s remarks may have been intended to address this commercialization of cricket.

Despite Tendulkar’s intentions, the discussion about cricket’s nature and the significance of the various overs in a match has been generated by his comments. Because they establish a foundation for the game’s final innings, many people contend that middle innings are just as crucial as the first and last ones. Others have noted that bowlers may find it difficult during the middle overs when they must push themselves to keep the opposition at rest without giving up too many runs.

The argument about cricket’s “boring” overs is ultimately a matter of taste. While some people might find the middle overs of an ODI to be boring, others could find the strategic struggle between bat and ball to be interesting. Yet it’s crucial to keep in mind that each element of the game matters and enhances the overall enjoyment. Whether it is the game’s first or last ball, every opportunity exists for a player to have an impact and for the spectators to be entertained.