Abhishek Sharma Responds with Playful Banter to Yuvraj Singh’s Praise Following Record-Breaking Knock
Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma was on cloud nine after receiving high praise from former cricket legend Yuvraj Singh following his remarkable performance in the fifth and final T20I against England. Sharma set a new record, making headlines with a blistering 135 off 54 balls, and his cheeky response to Yuvraj’s praise quickly garnered attention from fans.
A Record-Breaking Knock at Wankhede
Sharma’s explosive innings at the Wankhede Stadium not only helped India dominate England by 150 runs, but it also etched his name in history. His knock of 135 was the second-fastest T20I century for India and the highest individual score in men’s T20Is, surpassing Shubman Gill’s 126. Additionally, it was the second-highest score against England in the T20I format, following Aaron Finch’s 156 in 2013. Sharma’s sensational knock included 13 sixes and seven fours, and to top it off, he picked up two wickets for just three runs in his lone over.
The performance earned him the Player of the Match award, but it was Yuvraj Singh’s tweet that truly caught Sharma’s attention. Yuvraj, who has been a guiding force in Sharma’s career, congratulated the young batter on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Well played @IamAbhiSharma4! That’s where I want to see you! Proud of you.”
Abhishek Sharma’s Cheeky Response
While most cricketers would have been humbled by such a message, Sharma’s response was filled with playful humor. Reacting to Yuvraj’s post, he quipped, “I think this is the first time Yuvraj has tweeted something without adding ‘I will send a chappal.’ Finally, he is proud of me. So I’m very happy.”
For context, Yuvraj Singh, known for his larger-than-life personality and candid coaching style, often teases players he mentors. The ‘flying chappal’ comment is a recurring joke in which Yuvraj would humorously threaten to throw a sandal (chappal) at players for not performing up to his expectations. Sharma’s comment reflects the strong bond they share, with the young cricketer acknowledging the encouraging support from his mentor.
Yuvraj’s Long-Term Support for Abhishek
Abhishek Sharma’s journey from a budding cricketer to one of the standout players in Indian cricket has been closely tied to Yuvraj Singh’s mentorship. Recalling the early days of his career, Sharma opened up about how Yuvraj’s guidance shaped his mindset. He recalled how Yuvraj always reassured him during moments of doubt. “Three years ago, when I started working with him, he always told me that, as a player, doubts are natural. But he always reassured me, saying, ‘You will be there, and you will perform. You will win matches for India.'”
The confidence instilled by Yuvraj is something Sharma values deeply, as it helped him through the challenges of growing in the competitive world of cricket. “I remember during our training camp in COVID times, he repeatedly told me, ‘don’t think short-term. I’m preparing you for the long run.’ Now that things are coming together, I am really happy,” added Sharma.
A Promising Future Ahead
Abhishek Sharma’s performance in the T20I series and his growing stature in Indian cricket have made him a player to watch. His relationship with Yuvraj Singh has undoubtedly played a significant role in his development, with the former India all-rounder providing crucial mentorship that focuses on long-term success rather than immediate results. Sharma’s record-breaking knock and the continued support from his mentor highlight the bright future ahead for the young cricketer.
With a promising career trajectory and a strong backing from one of India’s most iconic players, Abhishek Sharma is poised to become a key player in the Indian cricket team’s future, both in T20Is and beyond.
Conclusion
Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking performance against England was a defining moment in his career, and Yuvraj Singh’s praise has only added to the joy of the young cricketer. With his playful banter and heartfelt appreciation for Yuvraj’s guidance, Sharma has shown a mature outlook on his cricket journey. As he continues to make strides in international cricket, the bond between Sharma and Yuvraj will likely remain a source of strength, driving him toward even greater achievements.
