Abhishek Sharma’s Meteoric Rise: In recent years, Abhishek Sharma has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket. Known for his explosive batting, Abhishek has impressed cricket fans and experts alike with his performances, especially in T20 cricket. However, his journey has been shaped not only by his own hard work but also by the invaluable mentorship he has received from some of the biggest names in cricket history.
Influence of Cricket Legends on Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma’s Meteoric Rise: When the name Abhishek Sharma is mentioned, it is impossible not to bring up the role of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh in his growth. Yuvraj has always been a guiding figure for the young southpaw, but it’s not just Yuvraj who has helped Abhishek carve his path in international cricket. His father, Raj Kumar Sharma, recently revealed a fascinating insight into Abhishek’s development, particularly his ongoing mentorship from West Indies legend Brian Lara.
“Abhishek is incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with some of the finest cricketers in the world. During his early years, Rahul Dravid gave him crucial guidance. Then, VVS Laxman took him under his wing during the IPL. When Brian Lara first saw him, he was astounded by his natural ability, saying, ‘Abhishek has so much potential.’ The two now speak every day. Lara continuously offers advice on building long innings and adjusting to different playing conditions. He has assured Abhishek that he’ll always be there to support him whenever he seeks assistance.”
— Raj Kumar Sharma, Abhishek Sharma’s Father.
Abhishek’s connection with Brian Lara began during their time together at the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad. According to Raj Kumar Sharma, the two share daily conversations about Abhishek’s batting, with Lara providing advice on how to play in varying conditions and sustain long innings.
Learning from Cricket Giants
Apart from Brian Lara, Abhishek has had the privilege of learning from cricketing legends like VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, and Yuvraj Singh. Each of these icons has contributed to Abhishek’s development, imparting their vast knowledge of the game and helping him hone his skills. It’s no wonder that the young batter has continued to make waves in domestic and international cricket.
Abhishek’s Early Days and Impressive Feats
Abhishek’s love for cricket has been evident from a very young age. His father recalls how Abhishek was always drawn to the game, having an instinctive passion for it from the start.
“He was completely captivated by cricket from a young age. His greatest interest was always hitting sixes. During his initial training, his focus was entirely on scoring boundaries. I recognized his exceptional potential when he played for U14. He scored three centuries during that age group. By the time he reached U16, he was accumulating over 1200 runs in a season, alongside taking 57 wickets. His efforts were acknowledged by the BCCI, who honored him at the Naman Awards.”
— Raj Kumar Sharma, Abhishek Sharma’s Father.
Abhishek’s performance in U14 and U16 cricket was exceptional. At the U14 level, he scored three centuries, which set the stage for his future. His remarkable tally of over 1200 runs in the U16 category, combined with 57 wickets, further highlighted his all-round ability. Abhishek’s early success did not go unnoticed, earning him recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the prestigious Naman Awards.
Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Performance
One of Abhishek’s standout moments came when he hit a 37-ball century against England in the 5th and final T20I of the series. This record-breaking knock announced his arrival on the global stage and reinforced his reputation as a fearless and aggressive batter capable of taking on the best.
Future Prospects: A Bright Career Ahead
Abhishek’s performances have not only caught the attention of fans and commentators but have also earned him backing to play for India across different formats. As his stock continues to rise, Abhishek’s journey looks set to take him to greater heights in world cricket, and with the guidance of cricketing giants like Brian Lara, Yuvraj Singh, and others, the future seems incredibly bright for this talented youngster.
Conclusion: Hard Work and Mentorship Paving the Way
Abhishek Sharma’s rapid rise in cricket is the result of a combination of innate talent, hard work, and the guidance of some of the best minds in the game. From receiving advice on batting techniques to discussing strategies for different conditions, Abhishek is benefiting from mentorship that most young cricketers can only dream of. As he continues to grow as a player, the cricket world will be watching closely to see how far this talented batter can go.