Image: Abhishek Sharma credited Yuvraj Singh for inspiring him and shaping his fearless batting / © Times of India
After scoring a remarkable 135 off 54 balls against England in Mumbai, Abhishek Sharma credited his success to former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh. The 24-year-old opener, who hit 7 fours and 13 sixes in his explosive knock, revealed how Yuvraj’s belief in him three to four years ago shaped his confidence and aspirations.
Abhishek disclosed that Yuvraj had always encouraged him to aim for the Indian team and perform on the big stage, which motivated him to work harder. He said:
Yuvi Paaji (Yuvraj Singh) was the one who put all these things in my mind three-four years back. He was the one who believed in me, I would say. Obviously, when someone like Yuvraj Singh is telling you that you are going to play for the country and you’re going to win the matches. You obviously yourself try to think all these things that okay ‘I will play for India and I will do my best.
Abhishek also praised Yuvraj for his continuous mentorship and support throughout his career. The left-hander mentioned that he always speaks to Yuvraj after matches and considers him a trusted advisor.
This mentoring relationship has clearly had a positive impact, as Abhishek was adjudged the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, which helped him finish as the highest run-scorer of the series with 279 runs at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate of 219.68. His stunning century against England was a career-defining moment and further solidified his place in India’s T20I plans.