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Abhishek Sharma hoped that his mentor Yuvraj Singh could be ‘comfortable’ after seeing his 135-run record-breaking knock against England.
Abhishek Sharma celebrates his century. (Sportzpics Photo)
Abhishek Sharma hopes that his record-breaking 135 against England within the fifth 2025 T20I at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium would make his mentor and Yuvraj Singh ‘comfortable’ for the previous India cricketer has at all times demanded the young opener to bat deep within the innings. India won by 150 runs after asking England to chase 248 after which bowling them out for a paltry 97.
Abhishek found the proper balance between batting long and his naturally, aggressive game. He reached his century off just 37 balls — the second-fastest for India — but didn’t lose his concentration until the 18th over when he had reached 135, the country’s highest rating within the format.
He lauded each head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav for giving him the liberty, aside from Yuvraj, who has mentored him for a giant a part of his recent profession.
“It’s a special one, coming for the country, at all times an excellent feeling. Once I see it’s my day, I at all times attempt to go from the primary ball. And the way in which the coach and the captain have treated me from the primary day.
“They’ve at all times wanted this intent, they’ve at all times backed me. When the opponents are bowling 140, 150-plus, you have got to be ready a bit of earlier. Just react to the ball and play my shots. If you’re hitting a world-class bowler over the covers (off Jofra Archer), it’s at all times great, but I actually liked the shots against (spinner) Adil Rashid as well. Probably he (Yuvraj Singh) ought to be comfortable today. He’s at all times wanted me to bat into the fifteenth, twentieth over, and I’ve tried to implement that,” added Abhishek.
Yuvraj did a special session with Abhishek and a couple of other cricketers from Punjab through the Covid-19 pandemic, working on their fitness and mental toughness. Since then, he has kept regular checks on him, giving feedback on his nets footage, and even offering constructive criticism on social media.
Shivam Dube, who put up the second-highest runs for India in the primary innings with an impactful 13-ball 30 after which took a few wickets in the subsequent innings, also thanked Abhishek for his mid-innings advice.
“It feels great while you contribute as an all-rounder, which I actually have been doing for a very long time. I used to be really excited to bowl. I couldn’t try this within the last match, but I knew I could be bowling today. He (Abhishek) told me the wicket was good, play your shots. I didn’t wish to bring the run rate down, so I just played my shots. (Bowling coach) Morne Morkel has helped me with my angles. I got the chance today with the ball and I delivered well,” Dube said.
India will now play three ODIs against England from February 6.
