Former India all-rounder **Ravichandran Ashwin** has tipped young opener **Abhishek Sharma** to be the top performer for the Men in Blue in 2025, calling him the “next-generation X-factor” who redefined powerplay batting. On his YouTube channel ‘Aish Ki Baat’, Ashwin said: “If there is one player who has had the best year for India in 2025, it is him… He will probably be the men’s team player of the year.”
Abhishek had a great year in T20Is, scoring **859 runs** in 21 matches at an average of 42.95 and a strike rate of 193.46, which included one century and five half-centuries. He shone at the **Asia Cup 2025**, topping the run charts with **314 runs** (strike rate ~200, 19 sixes), and was named Player of the Tournament as India won the title.
Ashwin advocated Abhishek’s inclusion in the ODI team, and praised his explosive ability and potential in the longer format.
Ashwin also named mystery spinner **Varun Chakraborty** as India’s bowler of the year. The 34-year-old took **36 T20I wickets** (average 13.19, economy 7.08) in 20 matches—the most among Test-playing nations—and **10 ODI wickets**, and proved to be a crucial MVP with his variations.
Additionally, Ashwin praised veteran players **Rohit Sharma** and **Virat Kohli** for their form in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and mentioned their hunger to win the 50-over World Cup.
These statements of Ashwin show that India has a good mix of emerging talent and experienced stars in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Abhishek’s aggression and Chakraborty’s mystery bowling can prove to be important weapons.
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