“They don’t always listen”: Irfan Pathan decodes the Abhishek–Gill opening act

India’s new-ball batting has a fresh, fearless face. With Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top, the team has found a right–left combination that starts fast, reads bowlers quickly, and keeps the tempo high across the Powerplay. Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan broke down why the pair works so well—and why, at times, their confidence overrides even their own mid-over advice.

Pathan’s take: talk, trust, and tempo

Irfan Pathan praised the way the pair keep talking through the innings—field placements, bowler’s plans, and when to push for ones after boundaries.

“Abhishek and Shubman, their combination once set is praiseworthy because you need a batter who complements you at the other end. You repeatedly hear them, when they speak, stitch a partnership and explain things to each other, asking for a single to be taken after a four is hit.”

Then came the cheeky reveal that shows Abhishek’s mindset.

“It’s a different thing that they don’t always listen… Shubman told Abhishek that 15 runs had come in the over and asked him to play the last ball carefully. He said yes, but hit the last ball for a six.”

The point was simple: the dialogue is constant, the mutual reading of the game is sharp, and the courage to back an option—even against conservative advice—is what makes them dangerous.

Saba Karim: feeding off each other

Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim highlighted how deeply the two understand each other’s rhythms, a bond shaped since age-group cricket.

“Both keep helping each other always in the game plan as well. While batting, you need to keep feeding off each other. You would have seen many times Abhishek rotating the strike and telling Shubman what the bowler is doing, the variations they are employing.”

Karim added that it isn’t always Abhishek who explodes; Gill can flip the script when the matchup suits him: “Destroying the opposition bowlers is becoming a sort of habit for them.”

What makes the pairing click

• Right–left stress: Fielding sides must constantly reset angles, which opens gaps for singles and twos even when boundaries slow down.

• Clear roles, flexible switches: Abhishek often takes the lead with power; Gill can anchor or accelerate based on the bowler and boundary sizes.

• Mid-over “micro plans”: The pair discuss the next two or three balls, not just the over, which keeps risk measured and intent high.

Asia Cup 2025: key opening stands

These starts did more than set a base; they forced opponents to spread the field early, made middle overs easier, and allowed finishers to walk in with the required rate under control.

Abhishek’s purple patch lifts the ceiling

Abhishek’s record-setting Asia Cup run—fast fifties, streak of 30+ scores, and clean six-hitting—has given India early separation in most games. His first-10-ball method (watch length and pace, hit with the turn, avoid forced swings) allows a controlled launch before he targets short sides and pace-on lengths.

Gill’s value: the switch-hitter of tempo

Gill’s calling card is timing and placement, but his role is broader than “anchor.” He can spike the scoring when seamers overpitch, thread the gaps against spin, and manage the strike when Abhishek is flowing. That dynamic means bowlers cannot settle into a single plan for both ends.

The small fixes that make them scarier

• Dot-ball control after timeouts: Keep the feet moving and the singles flowing when the fielding side tries to reset.

• Low-risk third-gear overs: Slip in a 7–9 run over (without a boundary) to avoid collapse hunting a perfect Powerplay.

• Wrist-spin contingency: Maintain a sweep-and-stay plan—don’t chase turn against the angle, and keep the straight hit in play.

Why it matters for India’s template

A fast, reliable start compresses targets, lets No. 3 and No. 4 play to their strengths, and reduces the need for late panic. With Abhishek and Gill setting the tone, India’s batting order looks balanced, adaptable, and ready for high-stakes knockout cricket.

“This combination is amazing,” Pathan summed up. And the numbers—and the eye test—agree.