Cricket News: Abhishek Sharma’s Maiden T20I Century

Abhishek Sharma, the 23-year-old Indian opener, has shared an interesting anecdote about his mentor, Yuvraj Singh, who was surprisingly happy when Abhishek got out for a duck on his T20I debut against Zimbabwe. According to Abhishek, Yuvraj felt that getting out for zero was a “good start”, a statement that left Abhishek perplexed. However, Abhishek didn’t dwell on it for long, as he went on to score a blistering maiden century (100 off 47 balls) in the second game, helping India win by 100 runs.

In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Abhishek credited Yuvraj for his guidance and support, both on and off the field. He revealed that Yuvraj had been working with him for two to three years, honing his cricket skills and helping him develop a strong life outside of cricket. Abhishek also thanked Yuvraj for his constant encouragement, saying that it was because of him that he was able to achieve his maiden century.

After the match, Abhishek called Yuvraj to share the news, and the former all-rounder was overjoyed. Yuvraj congratulated Abhishek, saying, “Well done, very proud, you deserve it. Many more such innings to come, this is just the start.” Abhishek’s century, combined with Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 77 not out off 47 balls, helped India level the five-match series 1-1.

Abhishek attributed his success to being in the right mindset and expressing himself freely on the field. He also thanked India’s tour captain and his Punjab teammate, Shubman Gill, for lending him his bat, which he used to score his century. Abhishek has a special connection with Gill’s bat, as he has performed well with it in the past. He quipped that whenever he uses Gill’s bat, he feels like he’s playing with his last option, but it always seems to work in his favor.

Abhishek’s maiden century was a much-needed boost for the team, and he hopes to continue his good form in the remaining matches. His story serves as an inspiration to young cricketers, highlighting the importance of hard work, dedication, and the right guidance in achieving success.

Historical Context:

• Abhishek Sharma is a 23-year-old Indian cricketer who has been mentored by Yuvraj Singh, a former Indian all-rounder who played 304 ODIs and 58 T20Is for India.
• Yuvraj Singh is a well-known figure in Indian cricket, having played a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory. He is also a cancer survivor, having battled a rare germ cell tumor in 2011.
• Abhishek Sharma made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in 2022, and his maiden century came in the second game of the five-match series.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Abhishek Sharma, a 23-year-old Indian opener, scored his maiden T20I century (100 off 47 balls) in the second game against Zimbabwe, helping India win by 100 runs. • He credited his mentor, Yuvraj Singh, for his guidance and support, saying that Yuvraj’s constant encouragement helped him achieve his maiden century. • Yuvraj was surprisingly happy when Abhishek got out for a duck on his T20I debut, saying it was a “good start”, which left Abhishek perplexed. • Abhishek thanked Yuvraj for his guidance, saying that it was because of him that he was able to achieve his maiden century. • After the match, Abhishek called Yuvraj to share the news, and Yuvraj congratulated him, saying, “Well done, very proud, you deserve it. Many more such innings to come, this is just the start.” • Abhishek attributed his success to being in the right mindset and expressing himself freely on the field. • He also thanked India’s tour captain and his Punjab teammate, Shubman Gill, for lending him his bat, which he used to score his century. • Abhishek’s maiden century was a much-needed boost for the team, and he hopes to continue his good form in the remaining matches. • His story serves as an inspiration to young cricketers, highlighting the importance of hard work, dedication, and the right guidance in achieving success.