‘Yuvraj Singh Should Be Happy Today’: Abhishek Sharma’s Cheeky Reaction To 135 Vs England – News18

Last Updated:February 03, 2025, 00:03 IST

Abhishek Sharma hoped that his mentor Yuvraj Singh would be ‘happy’ after seeing his 135-run record-breaking knock against England.

Abhishek Sharma celebrates his century. (Sportzpics Photo)

Abhishek Sharma hopes that his record-breaking 135 against England in the fifth 2025 T20I at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium would make his mentor and Yuvraj Singh ‘happy’ for the former India cricketer has always demanded the young opener to bat deep in the innings. India won by 150 runs after asking England to chase 248 and then bowling them out for a paltry 97.

Abhishek found the perfect balance between batting long and his naturally, aggressive game. He reached his century off just 37 balls — the second-fastest for India — but didn’t lose his concentration until the 18th over when he had reached 135, the country’s highest score in the format.

He lauded both head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav for giving him the freedom, apart from Yuvraj, who has mentored him for a big part of his recent career.

“It’s a special one, coming for the country, always a great feeling. When I see it’s my day, I always try to go from the first ball. And the way the coach and the captain have treated me from the first day.

“They’ve always wanted this intent, they’ve always backed me. When the opponents are bowling 140, 150-plus, you have to be ready a little earlier. Just react to the ball and play my shots. When you’re hitting a world-class bowler over the covers (off Jofra Archer), it’s always great, but I really liked the shots against (spinner) Adil Rashid as well. Probably he (Yuvraj Singh) should be happy today. He’s always wanted me to bat into the 15th, 20th over, and I’ve tried to implement that,” added Abhishek.

Yuvraj did a special session with Abhishek and a few other cricketers from Punjab during the Covid-19 pandemic, working on their fitness and mental toughness. Since then, he has kept regular checks on him, giving feedback on his nets footage, and even offering constructive criticism on social media.

Shivam Dube, who put up the second-highest runs for India in the first innings with an impactful 13-ball 30 and then took a couple of wickets in the next innings, also thanked Abhishek for his mid-innings advice.

“It feels great when you contribute as an all-rounder, which I have been doing for a long time. I was really excited to bowl. I could not do that in the last match, but I knew I would be bowling today. He (Abhishek) told me the wicket was good, play your shots. I didn’t want to bring the run rate down, so I just played my shots. (Bowling coach) Morne Morkel has helped me with my angles. I got the opportunity today with the ball and I delivered well,” Dube said.

India will now play three ODIs against England from February 6.