Abhishek Sharma made headlines on Sunday with his electrifying innings during the fifth T20I against England, where he scored 135 runs off just 54 balls at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This incredible display of power hitting not only led India to victory by 150 runs but also etched his name in the record books as he secured the highest individual score by an Indian batsman in T20 internationals.
Sharma's innings included 13 sixes, surpassing the previous record held by three Indian players, including Rohit Sharma and Sanju Samson. His achievement of reaching the second-fastest half-century and century, at 17 and 37 balls respectively, highlighted his extraordinary talent. England captain Jos Buttler recognized the significance of Sharma's performance, describing his ability to strike the ball as "as clean as I've seen". He commended Sharma for his impactful display against their bowling attack, which included seasoned bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. Despite his team’s defeat, Buttler emphasized the need to give credit where it was due, stating, "Some days, you have to give credit to the opposition. He played fantastically well."
After the match, Sharma downplayed the notion of competition for the opening slot with fellow cricketers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, asserting, "There has never been competition among us - we are playing together since Under-16. There was just one dream - to play for India." His unwavering confidence and grounded attitude displayed maturity, especially considering the high expectations as one of India's rising stars.
Sharma's breathtaking innings was not just about personal glory; it reflected the successful cultivation of his talent through key mentors, particularly former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Sharma credited Yuvraj for instilling belief during practice sessions, which helped shape his aggressive playing style. He noted, "When Yuvraj Singh tells you you're going to play for the country, it motivates you to give your best." This relationship extends beyond mere mentorship; Yuvraj's influence is visibly woven throughout Sharma's approach to the game.
Coach Gautam Gambhir also lauded Sharma's performance, calling it the best he had seen against bowlers consistently operating at 140-150 kph. He remarked, "We want to back young players like Abhishek Sharma who want to play fearless cricket." Sharma's innings was not just pivotal for the game; it reinforced the team's strategy moving forward—a commitment to playing with aggression and confidence. The support from fellow players, including Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, played a significant role in keeping Sharma grounded, especially during periods of self-doubt earlier this season.
Sharma's path to success has been marked by remarkable achievements within just over half a year on the international stage. His ability to transfer IPL success with Sunrisers Hyderabad to T20I matches has resulted in record-breaking feats: he holds the joint-fastest century for India in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at 28 balls, alongside his recent milestones against England.
After demonstrating immense potential and earning accolades for his performance, Sharma conveyed his tactical mindset throughout his innings. He detailed his approach when nearing his century, "When you react to the ball based on the team's situation, it leads to success. I was just trying to play my normal game and react as needed." This insight emphasizes both his instinctual playstyle and the influence of his teammates on the approach to pressure situations which might otherwise lead to conservativism.
Despite the spotlight he finds himself under, Sharma remains pragmatic about his achievements and future aspirations. While excitement swirls around the possibility of replicable monumental feats like Yuvraj Singh’s famous six sixes, Sharma remains focused on adapting to circumstances as they arise. "That record is extraordinary and very tough to aim for. If it happens, it happens, but you have to play your natural game."
His explosive 135 against England not only affirms his status as one of India's most dynamic power hitters but also exemplifies the fruitful mentoring and strong support system surrounding him. With burgeoning confidence and guidance from the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Gambhir, Sharma is set to be one of the pivotal players to watch as Indian cricket continues its ascent on the international stage.
Abhishek Sharma's remarkable ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his deep respect for mentors, paints the portrait of a player whose career is just beginning. His vibrant blend of aggression, ensemble support from team leadership, and commitment to the team ethos makes him not just appear as India's newest sensation but also as the embodiment of the spirited new approach Indian cricket is adopting.