India, Oct. 3 -- 61 runs off 28 balls with seven sixes, a 20-ball half-century - That is what Abhishek Sharma did against Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 Gold Medal match. This often gives way to the temptation of analysing his impact by how violent he was. But the true effect of an Abhishek Sharma inning is often realised after he has left the crease.

When Abhishek was dismissed in the match, India were stationed at 93/3 in 7.5 overs. But after this, Pakistan staged a small comeback. The bowlers began to identify areas that could restrict the batters. India lost wickets in chunks, after which the defending champions endured a mini middle-over collapse. However, Abhishek had already paid the tax for this exact drop at the start.

To giv...