Abhishek’s maiden T20I century came in just his second match, equaling the third-fastest century for an Indian (46 balls). His second T20I century against England on Sunday was even more breathtaking, becoming the second-fastest for any Indian (37 balls). Notably, he also smashed a 28-ball century in the prestigious Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, making him joint-fastest in the tournament’s history.
The left-hander attributes his success to unwavering confidence and invaluable mentorship. Growing up alongside Shubman Gill as Punjab’s opening pair, Abhishek honed his skills under the guidance of Indian legend Yuvraj Singh.
Yuvraj Singh’s Influence
The impact of Yuvraj Singh on Abhishek’s career is undeniable. Speaking after his stunning 54-ball 135-run innings (13 sixes, 7 fours) — the highest individual T20I score by an Indian, surpassing Shubman Gill's 126 — Abhishek credited Yuvraj for instilling confidence in him.“Yuvi Paaji put all these thoughts in my mind three to four years ago. When someone like Yuvraj Singh tells you that you will play for India and win games, you start believing in it yourself,” said Abhishek.
Punjab coach Wasim Jaffer has also played a crucial role in his development. However, Abhishek consistently acknowledges Yuvraj’s belief as the defining factor behind his rise.
A Strong Support System
Abhishek’s journey is a testament to the impact of a solid support system, including the Indian team management. He emphasized how the trust shown by his seniors, including Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Gautam Gambhir, has been a driving force.“I didn't do well in a few matches before this series, but when your captain and coach back you and tell you to play fearlessly, it is the biggest motivation,” he remarked.
Brian Lara’s Valuable Advice
Apart from Indian legends, West Indies great Brian Lara has also played a pivotal role in shaping Abhishek’s mindset. The cricket icon shared a simple yet game-changing insight: “Play your shots but make sure you don’t get out.” This philosophy has helped Abhishek excel in high-pressure situations, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy 2023-24, where he scored 485 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 192.46.Breaking Records, But Not Eyeing the Impossible
While Abhishek continues to shatter records, he remains realistic about legendary feats like Yuvraj’s six sixes in an over.“I don’t think that record can be broken anytime soon. You can’t plan for it. It just happens when you are in the zone,” he said.
With an incredible strike rate, a fearless approach, and backing from cricketing greats, Abhishek Sharma is fast emerging as India’s next T20 superstar. His journey is a reminder that with self-belief and the right guidance, even the most unpredictable formats can be conquered.
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