In a tweet that had Punjabi vibes all over it, Yuvraj Singh exclaimed, “Fad jara ehnu,” a call to catch the man, referring to Abhishek Sharma, shortly after Shubman Gill’s stellar performance led Gujarat Titans to victory against Punjab Kings. Abhishek, in return, not only caught the ball but smashed a 50-ball 75 in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s triumph against Chennai Super Kings, dedicating the knock to Yuvraj.
Since their IPL 2022 days, Gill has ascended to cricket stardom, while Abhishek has steadily progressed in his career, though catching up to Gill’s level demands more runs and wickets. The camaraderie between the two goes back to their Punjab debut in 2017 and the U19 World Cup in 2018, where Gill shone brightly, but Abhishek’s all-round prowess didn’t go unnoticed.
Despite their close friendship, Abhishek has outgrown the idea of “chasing” Gill. He expressed his happiness for Gill’s success and emphasized his own focus on giving his best in every opportunity, particularly in the IPL.
Abhishek, a regular in Sunrisers Hyderabad, is eager for a breakthrough season, stating that his best is yet to come. Drawing inspiration from his idol Yuvraj Singh, he highlighted the importance of staying focused on the present and giving his best without worrying about selection outcomes.
Last year, Abhishek showcased his talent in the emerging player’s Asia Cup and played a crucial role in Punjab’s Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 triumph. With an impressive T20 strike rate and a shift to opening in 2022, he aims to enhance his batting consistency. Yuvraj, his mentor, played a significant role in refining Abhishek’s technique.
Transitioning to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021, Abhishek found more opportunities and a life-changing connection with the legendary Brian Lara, SRH’s head coach. Lara’s tactical advice on scoring runs in different situations and planning helped Abhishek gain clarity in his approach.
While Abhishek acknowledges the importance of his bowling, especially in a time when all-round contributions are valued, he remains optimistic about his future, guided by the wisdom of Yuvraj and Lara. With a ₹6.5 crore deal in the mega auction, Abhishek is ready to take on any role for SRH, showcasing his adaptability as an all-rounder.
In summary, Abhishek Sharma is not just “catching” up; he’s on a journey of his own, with the backing of his idols and the lessons learned from cricket legends. The stage is set for Abhishek to shine brighter in the upcoming cricket seasons.