Abhishek Sharma and Yuvraj Singh (Source : Twitter)
India opener Abhishek Sharma hit a sensational century against Zimbabwe in his second international match. After flopping in the game first, there was pressure on the 23-year-old, especially with Yashasvi Jaiswal set to join the squad ahead of the third T20I. However, Abhishek dealt with the pressure well as he played an aggressive brand of cricket to hit his maiden century.
After losing opening partner Shubman Gill early, Abhishek took some time to settle down and once he did, the youngster dealt with boundaries. He hit seven boundaries and eight maximums and made 100 runs off 47 deliveries. Courtesy of his valuable contribution, the Men in Blue scored 234 runs in the first innings and won the match by 100 runs.
Also Read – Whenever I need runs, I ask for Shubman Gill’s bat: Abhishek Sharma
After the game, Abhishek dialled the legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s number, who is also a mentor of the youngster. Yuvraj stated that Abhishek has all the talent to become a top player. He was elated to see him do well and hit a century only in his second international match. Yuvraj however reminded Abhishek that it is only the start and he wants more from the cricketer.
“I’m very proud. Well done. You deserve it. Many more to come. This is just the start,” Yuvraj told Abhishek on a video call.
Watch the video below:
Two extremely special phone 📱 calls, one memorable bat-story 👌 & a first 💯 in international cricket!
𝗗𝗢 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦!
A Hundred Special, ft. Abhishek Sharma 👏 👏 – By @ameyatilak
WATCH 🎥 🔽 #TeamIndia | #ZIMvIND | @IamAbhiSharma4
Two extremely special phone 📱 calls, one memorable bat-story 👌 & a first 💯 in international cricket!
𝗗𝗢 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦!
A Hundred Special, ft. Abhishek Sharma 👏 👏 – By @ameyatilak
WATCH 🎥 🔽 #TeamIndia | #ZIMvIND | @IamAbhiSharma4 pic.twitter.com/0tfBXgfru9
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 8, 2024
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 8, 2024
Meanwhile, the former cricketer is currently in England where he is leading the India Champions in the ongoing World Championship of Legends. The Men in Blue will play Australia Champions in their upcoming match on July 8. For Australia, the likes of Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch and Brett Lee have been phenomenal while India have had a tough time in the tournament, losing to Pakistan in their last match.
Also Read – EXCLUSIVE: Aaron Finch decodes Australia’s disappointing campaign at T20 World Cup 2024
On the other hand, Abhishek’s position in the playing XI for the third T20I is not yet guaranteed. With Jaiswal joining the squad, any of the top-order batters will have to sit out. Gill being the captain may continue while Ruturaj also has done a good job in the second T20I and most importantly, he can bat at three, unlike any of these batters.