Abhishek Sharma, the young southpaw who took the IPL 2024 by storm with his explosive batting, has a story that goes beyond just talent. His recent success can be attributed to a combination of factors: the rise of his friend Shubman Gill, a crucial tweak in his batting stance by Yuvraj Singh, and a newfound focus on discipline.
Friend’s success sparks a fire
A viral video captured the essence of Abhishek’s journey. Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek’s childhood friend, was seen asking Abhishek’s mother for the “blessings” that had led to her son’s consistent form. This season, Abhishek has piled on runs, becoming the first batsman to score over 400 runs without facing 30 balls in a single innings.
His father, Rajkumar Sharma, revealed to India Express that witnessing the rise of Shubman Gill, Abhishek’s best friend and opening partner since their U-14 days, ignited a fire in his son. He realized the importance of consistency and the need to translate his talent into consistent performances.
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Yuvraj Singh tweak makes difference
Rajkumar credits Yuvraj Singh for the work he has done with Abhishek over the past four years. Yuvraj, while training both Shubman and Abhishek, tweaked Abhishek’s batting stance. This involved minimizing the movement in his backlift, allowing him to generate more power.
From Crowd-puller to All-rounder
Abhishek’s coach at Punjab, Avishkar Salvi, calls him a “crowdpuller” who thrives with a free hand at the top. Salvi highlights Abhishek’s explosive talent and his ability to provide an adrenaline rush, comparing him to a left-handed Virender Sehwag in red-ball cricket.
This freedom extends to his bowling as well. In the first Qualifier against Rajasthan Royals, Abhishek impressed with his bowling, picking up crucial wickets. He dedicated this performance to his father, a left-arm spinner himself. Abhishek has always considered himself a genuine all-rounder, an edge he believes sets him apart from other young talents.
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Discipline and India Dream of Abhishek Sharma
While talent is undeniable, Abhishek’s recent success is also a result of his newfound discipline. He has focused on maximizing powerplay overs and maintaining consistency throughout the tournament. This dedication, coupled with the guidance of Yuvraj Singh and the support system around him, has propelled Abhishek to new heights.
Now, with a string of impressive performances under his belt, Abhishek waits for the ultimate reward: an India call-up. His journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the importance of hard work, focused improvement, and the power of a supportive environment.
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