The key to Abhishek Sharma's victory over England was revealed during sessions with Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh in Gurugram.
How many cricket players can boast that Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman have all trained them? One such batter is Abhishek Sharma, a left-handed hitter who has no boundaries. At Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, the youthful player demonstrated his abilities by smashing 135 runs off 54 balls in the fifth Twenty20 International match against England.Abhishek has frequently mentioned how Yuvraj coached him and how the two-time World Cup champion influenced his style of play. Against England, Abhishek's fifty runs off just seventeen balls evoked happy Yuvraj memories.It brought to mind Yuvraj's thumping of Stuart Broad at the 2007 T20 World Cup.
In an interview with The Hindustan Times, Raj Kumar Sharma, Abhishek's father and boyhood coach, disclosed Yuvraj's long-standing and significant influence on his son's career. Raj Kumar thanked the former India all-rounder for making the extra effort to be there for Abhishek the whole time. On social media, Yuvraj has frequently stated that he wants to see Abhishek play a big knock and go all the way. The left-handed batter undoubtedly made his mentor proud after the early disappointments.
"Yuvraj Singh has consistently supported Abhishek. His impact to cricket has been the most significant. He has consistently worked on him and given him time. Yuvraj Singh was the first person he met during the Ranji Trophy. His talent immediately amazed Yuvraj. Then Yuvraj asked Abhishek if he wanted to workout with him. "He wanted to help him get ready and improve as a cricket player," Abhishek's father stated.
"Paaji, mere idol he aap ho," Abhishek then said to him. My hero is you. Main to aapko bhagwaan manta hu apna. You are my god. I've watched your batting videos since I was a child. After that, Yuvraj mentored Abhishek and helped him enhance his skills. He has contributed and impacted the most.Yuvraj always makes sure to talk to Abhishek, regardless of his whereabouts. Even if it's only for five or ten days, Yuvraj keeps Abhishek by his side so he can improve.
Prior to Abhishek's final 279-run performance in the five-match T20I series against England, did Yuvraj have any special plans for the young player? Sharma Sr. revealed some quite fascinating information.
Abhishek and Yuvraj had a conversation prior to the England series. Abhishek was free for five days. He was just in Amritsar. He received a call from Yuvraj the same day inviting him to visit Gurugram. He then gave Yuvraj five days of training. He adjusted his perspective, asked him to play longer innings, and mentally prepared him.Abhishek and Yuvraj worked on his bowling and batting techniques prior to the England series. Abhishek is the center of attention for Yuvraj's whole team. While someone else handles running and other activities, another person concentrates on his gym routine," Raj Kumar Sharma stated.
Abhishek also had the opportunity to speak with another former India opening batsman while he was in Gurugram for preparation. He was also worked on by Shikhar [Dhawan]. He told him about his experiences. He gave him advice on how to approach his batting in Indian conditions. He was with him for five or six days as well.
Brian Lara's influence
Brian Lara, another great hitter, has taught Abhishek a lot as well. When he was the IPL head coach of SunRisers Hyderabad, he spent a lot of time with the former West Indies skipper. The fact that Lara speaks with Abhishek every day and constantly inquires as to whether the young Indian batter needs any guidance on how to go may actually shock your head.
"Abhishek is extremely fortunate. Numerous prominent figures he has met have spoken out to him about their experiences. He was first met by Rahul Dravid, sir. Then, during the IPL, VVS Laxman worked on him. "Abhishek has immense talent," said Brian Lara, who was astounded to see him.He speaks with Brian Lara every day. He often gives him advice on how to play in various situations and construct lengthy innings. According to Abhishek's father, Brian Lara has always assured him that he will support him in times of need.
Raj Kumar also thanked the Punjab Cricket Association and Wasim Jaffer, the team's head coach. "The Punjab Cricket Association and the Amritsar Cricket Association come to mind. He also collaborated with Wasim Jaffer sir when he was appointed captain of Punjab's Ranji Trophy team. He likes him a lot, too," he added.
Although the 24-year-old has been learning from the greatest for the past few years, his father's influence cannot be understated. Raj Kumar was the one who initially fostered Abhishek's passion for the game, giving him his first tutoring and setting the groundwork for his future.
"Cricket had always been a favorite of his. He enjoyed hitting sixes throughout his life. He was only interested in hitting fours and sixes when I was training him. I could tell he had genuine skill when he was playing U14. He scored three hundreds in U14. Then, in U16, he got 57 wickets and amassed the highest total in India, around 1200 runs. Raj Kumar Sharma added, "The BCCI also gave him an award at the Naman Awards.
"Rahul Dravid, sir, put a lot of effort into him. He led the U19 Asia Cup squad as captain. The Man of the Series was him. After that, he attended the U19 World Cup.
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