Abhishek Sharma delivered a stellar performance in the first T20I against England in Kolkata, smashing an explosive 79 runs off 34 balls. His knock helped India chase down a modest target of 132 with ease, finishing at 133/3 in just 12.5 overs. Supporting contributions from Tilak Varma (19*) and Hardik Pandya (6*) ensured India secured a seven-wicket victory. Earlier, England captain Jos Buttler’s gritty 68 had anchored England to a total of 132, but Varun Chakaravarthy’s impressive 3/23 restricted them to a below-par score.
Acknowledging the Legends
After the match, the 24-year-old Abhishek Sharma credited several cricketing legends for their pivotal roles in his career development. Having had the opportunity to work closely with some of the sport’s finest, Abhishek reflected on the invaluable guidance he received.
“I feel very fortunate,” Abhishek said. “I started with Yuvi paaji [Yuvraj Singh], who was instrumental in shaping my early days. Later, at Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), I had the privilege of learning under Brian Lara, who offered immense support. Then came Dan Vettori, whose straightforward approach gave me the freedom to play my natural game.”
The Punjab-born cricketer also mentioned his current association with Gautam Gambhir, saying, “Even Gauti bhai [Gambhir] has been fantastic. All of them encourage me to express myself and trust my abilities, which has boosted my confidence tremendously.”
The Rise of Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek has been making waves in Indian cricket since his impressive performances in IPL 2024, earning comparisons to legendary players like Virender Sehwag. Many see him as a future replacement for senior stalwarts such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Known for his aggressive batting style and versatility, Abhishek also shares a close bond with his mentor, Yuvraj Singh.
Making his international debut against Zimbabwe in June 2023, Abhishek has represented India in 13 T20Is so far. He has accumulated 335 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 183.06 and an average of 27.92, including a century.
What’s Next
With his recent exploits, Abhishek has become a vital asset for India in T20Is. As the series against England continues, fans eagerly await his next performance in the second T20I, scheduled to take place in Chennai on Saturday.
