India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign has been lit up by the fearless strokeplay of young opener Abhishek Sharma, and one particular shot has taken the cricketing world by storm—a helicopter-style cover drive that left fans, commentators, and even senior players in awe. Among those mesmerized was veteran spinner R Ashwin, who took to social media to express his amazement, calling the shot “a fusion of Dhoni’s audacity and modern flair.”
The moment occurred during India’s Super 4 clash against Pakistan in Colombo, where Abhishek launched a full-length delivery outside off through extra cover with a wristy whip that resembled MS Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot—except it was played on the off-side. The ball raced to the boundary, but it was the technique and swagger that made it unforgettable.
Ashwin, who was part of the commentary panel for the match, tweeted: “That’s not a cover drive. That’s a helicopter cover drive. Abhishek Sharma is rewriting the batting manual.” His reaction was echoed by fans and pundits, with clips of the shot going viral across platforms.
Abhishek Sharma’s ‘Helicopter’ Cover Drive – Match Context
| Match | Opponent | Shot Played Over | Bowler | Result of Shot | Crowd Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Cup Super 4 | Pakistan | Extra Cover | Shaheen Afridi | Four runs | Standing ovation |
| Ball Type | Full-length | Outside off stump | 140+ km/h | Wristy whip | Social media explosion |
The shot wasn’t just about flair—it was a statement of confidence. Abhishek, who scored 82 off 41 balls in that match, has emerged as one of India’s most exciting batting talents. His ability to innovate under pressure and play unconventional strokes has drawn comparisons to legends like Dhoni, Raina, and even AB de Villiers.
Speaking after the match, Abhishek said, “I’ve always admired Dhoni sir’s helicopter shot. I just tried something instinctive—it came off well. I didn’t expect it to go viral.” He also credited his training sessions with Yuvraj Singh for helping him develop wrist strength and bat speed.
Abhishek Sharma – Asia Cup 2025 Performance Tracker
| Match | Opponent | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Boundaries | Impact Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super 4 vs Pakistan | Pakistan | 82 | 41 | 200.0 | 10 fours, 4 sixes | 9.5 |
| Super 4 vs Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | 41 | 28 | 146.4 | 6 fours, 1 six | 8.0 |
| Group Stage vs Nepal | Nepal | 33 | 22 | 150.0 | 5 fours | 7.5 |
Ashwin’s praise carries weight not just because of his stature, but because of his deep understanding of batting mechanics. “To generate that kind of torque on the off-side, with a helicopter finish, is insane. It’s not textbook—but it’s the future,” he said during a post-match analysis.
The cricketing fraternity has responded with admiration. Former India coach Ravi Shastri called the shot “a generational moment,” while commentator Harsha Bhogle described it as “a blend of instinct and innovation.”
Expert Reactions – Abhishek Sharma’s Shot
| Name | Role/Title | Reaction Quote |
|---|---|---|
| R Ashwin | India spinner | “Helicopter cover drive—never seen anything like it” |
| Ravi Shastri | Former India coach | “This is how cricket evolves—through audacity” |
| Harsha Bhogle | Commentator | “A shot that will be replayed for years” |
| Yuvraj Singh | Mentor | “He’s fearless, and that’s what makes him special” |
The viral clip has garnered over 5 million views across platforms, with fans dubbing it “The Colombo Whip” and “HeliDrive.” Memes, slow-motion breakdowns, and fan recreations have flooded Instagram and YouTube, turning the moment into a cultural phenomenon.
Abhishek’s rise comes at a time when India is transitioning into a new era of white-ball cricket. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli nearing the twilight of their careers, players like Abhishek, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma are being groomed as the next-gen core.
India’s Emerging Batting Core – Post 2025 Outlook
| Player Name | Role | Strengths | Age | Projected Role in T20 WC 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | Opener | Powerplay aggression, wrist play | 24 | First-choice opener |
| Rinku Singh | Finisher | Death overs hitting, calm under pressure | 27 | No. 6 batter |
| Tilak Varma | Middle-order | Spin play, left-hand balance | 23 | No. 4 stabilizer |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper | Quick scoring, fearless intent | 28 | Backup keeper-batter |
Ashwin’s admiration also reflects a broader shift in how senior players are embracing the evolution of batting. “We used to talk about playing in the V. Now the V is 360 degrees,” he joked during a podcast.
The Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka on September 25 will be another opportunity for Abhishek to showcase his skills. With the spotlight firmly on him, fans are hoping for more magic—and maybe another helicopter cover drive.
Public Sentiment – Abhishek Sharma’s Viral Shot
| Platform | Views/Engagement | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 2.3M mentions | 93% positive | #HeliDrive #AbhishekSharma |
| 4.1M views | 91% positive | #MSDhoniStyle #ColomboWhip | |
| YouTube | 3.6M views | 89% positive | #HelicopterCoverDrive |
| 1.8M interactions | 88% positive | #IndiaRising #ShotOfTheYear |
As India continues its campaign, Abhishek Sharma’s helicopter cover drive stands as a symbol of fearless cricket, generational transition, and the magic that happens when instinct meets inspiration. For Ashwin and millions of fans, it’s not just a shot—it’s a moment that defines the future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match footage, player interviews, and expert commentary. It does not reflect any political endorsement or opinion. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
