Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Hails Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill as ‘Fire and Ice’

India’s opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill demolished Pakistan’s bowling attack with a 105-run stand, setting the stage for a six-wicket victory in the Super Fours clash.

Dubai [UAE], September 22: Under the bright Dubai lights, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav found the perfect words to describe his young opening duo after a stunning six-wicket triumph over arch-rival Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Fours clash: “fire and ice.”

The pair of Abhishek Sharma (74 off 39) and Shubman Gill (47 off 31) ignited India’s chase of 172 with contrasting yet complementary batting styles. While Abhishek came out blazing, punishing Pakistan’s bowlers with fearless strokeplay, Gill anchored with composure and classical shot-making. Together, they stitched a 105-run opening stand in under 10 overs, leaving Pakistan’s attack deflated and India’s middle order with nothing more than a formality to finish.

“The way the boys are stepping up in every game makes my job very easy. Abhishek and Gill complement each other really well. It’s like fire and ice,” Suryakumar said during the post-match presentation.

Abhishek’s Breakthrough Knock

For Abhishek, this was more than just a quick-fire innings — it was redemption. Having fallen short in earlier matches despite promising starts, the 25-year-old converted his form into a defining knock. Smashing boundaries with audacity, he played with intent and aggression, never allowing Pakistan’s bowlers to settle.

Suryakumar praised his young opener’s relentless work ethic:
“He never misses practice. Even on days when he doesn’t feel like batting, he’s always doing something — staying active, learning, improving. His selfless approach, his ability to read the game after the powerplay — these are qualities that make him special. If you keep working this hard, god surely has plans for you.”

Gill’s Calm Authority

In contrast, Shubman Gill exuded calm and balance. He rotated strike, picked his moments, and unleashed classy strokes — including a reverse sweep that left his captain smiling. “We all know what Shubman brings to the team,” Suryakumar said. “He played less risky, high-reward shots. That reverse sweep — he had been practising it a lot in the nets, and I was happy to see him execute it in a big game.”

Gill’s innings may not have been as explosive as Abhishek’s, but his composure was the anchor India needed.

Friendship Beyond the Boundary

More than skill, it was the bond between Abhishek and Gill that shone through. Off the field, the two share a close friendship — something Suryakumar believes reflects in their on-field chemistry.
“It is very important to be good friends off the field if you open together,” he explained. “You don’t always need words. A look in the eye is enough to take that cheeky single or to back each other when someone is struggling. That friendship makes their batting even more special.”

A Message to Rivals

The commanding victory wasn’t just about two young stars shining. It was a statement — India’s batting depth, led by a dynamic opening pair, has the potential to overwhelm even the fiercest opponents. And as the Asia Cup progresses, this “fire and ice” combination could well be the force that carries India forward.

Sports Desk