It takes a village. The success story of every cricketer isn’t just about them. Multiple people play a role. This is the case for Abhishek Sharma as well. His father, Raj Kumar Sharma, who has played in the Ranji Trophy himself, was his son’s first coach. That mantle was taken over by Yuvraj Singh, one of India’s best white-ball cricketers ever.
This, of course, is well documented. Yuvraj took Abhishek under his wing for a while back. But the southpaw also took help from former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Brian Lara to work on his bat swing. Everything he’s learned over the years is culminating now.
Dhawan & Yuvraj helped Abhishek Sharma
He must be applauded for his record-breaking 135-run knock, but credit also must go to those who’ve helped him along the way. It turns out, just before the India vs. England T20I series, Abhishek had worked/trained with Shikhar Dhawan under the supervision of Yuvraj Singh.
“Yuvraj called him to Gurgaon before the series. He trained there with Shikhar Dhawan. The idea was to learn how Dhawan plays those exquisite grounded cover drives and square drives. Dhawan explained to him the importance of taking singles. It was a one-week camp with Yuvraj and Dhawan,” Raj Kumar Sharma told the Indian Express.
The result is there for everyone to see. He’s been virtually confirmed as the opener for the T20 World Cup 2026. Sachin Tendulkar praised his hitting; Kevin Pietersen labelled it as one of the best innings he had seen. And even opposition captain Jos Buttler was wowed by the 24-year-old.
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Records Abhishek Sharma broke during his 135-run known
- Most sixes by an Indian in a T20I innings (13)
- Fastest T20I century for India (based on overs—10.1)
- Second-fastest T20I fifty (17 balls)
- Highest individual score for India in T20Is (135)
- Fastest T20I hundred against England (37 balls)
- Second fastest hundred for India (based on balls—37 balls)
Cricket
India squad for Sri Lanka Tests to be picked this week: Bumrah, Jadeja to return, Washington Sundar doubtful
