source : BCCI
Abhishek Sharma delivered a jaw-dropping performance during the 1st T20I between India and England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The young all-rounder, mentored by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, smashed a breathtaking 79 off just 34 balls. His innings, studded with eight sixes and five fours, helped India chase down England’s modest target of 133 in just 12.5 overs. This emphatic victory gave India a crucial 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with Sharma’s fireworks leaving fans and cricket pundits in awe.
Apart from the standing ovation from a packed Eden Gardens, Abhishek earned something even more special—praise from his mentor Yuvraj Singh. Known for his six-sixes-in-an-over heroics, Yuvraj couldn’t help but admire the brilliance of his protégé. Sharing his thoughts on X, Yuvraj cheekily remarked, “Good start to the series boys! Great tone set by our bowlers and well played sir! @IamAbhiSharma4 top knock! I’m impressed you hit 2 boundaries down the ground as well.”
What impressed Yuvraj the most were Abhishek’s straight-batted strokes down the ‘V.’ Among his 13 boundaries, two sixes and one four were played straight back past the bowler—shots that reflected pure class and control. The influence of Yuvraj on Abhishek’s game was unmistakable, from his effortless timing to his sheer swagger at the crease.
Abhishek’s 20-ball fifty also placed him among the fastest Indian batters to achieve the feat against England in T20Is. His innings drew comparisons to Yuvraj’s iconic 12-ball half-century during the 2007 T20 World Cup against England, where he famously smashed Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over. The young all-rounder acknowledged the influence of his captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and coach, Gautam Gambhir, crediting them for instilling the freedom and confidence to perform.
Earlier in the game, India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/17) and Varun Chakaravarthy (3/22), restricted England to a modest 132. Aside from Jos Buttler’s fighting knock of 68 off 44 balls, England’s batting faltered against the disciplined Indian attack. With the second T20I set to take place in Chennai, Abhishek’s sensational performance has undoubtedly set the tone for the series.
