Abhishek Credits IPL for Smooth Transition to National Team
Abhishek Sharma has praised the Indian Premier League (IPL) for helping young players transition smoothly to the national team. Playing just his second T20I, Abhishek displayed the same intent he showcased in IPL 2024, thrilling the Harare crowd with a match-winning 46-ball century. His performance helped India level the series with Zimbabwe in the second T20I.
Role of IPL in Reducing Pressure
Abhishek emphasized the role of IPL in reducing pressure for debutants. “I think IPL plays a big role in this because as a youngster, as a debutant, we didn’t feel much pressure when we came to represent the country,” he said. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and intent, regardless of the game’s outcome. “It’s always a great motivation once you are playing for the country. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well in yesterday’s game, but my mindset and intent were the same,” he added.
Influence of Yuvraj Singh and Early Training
Crediting former India allrounder Yuvraj Singh for his development, Abhishek revealed his unique training regimen. “Special thanks to my dad who always encouraged me to play lofted shots even when I was a kid. Usually, coaches don’t allow you to play lofted shots much. My dad used to tell me that if you want to play a lofted shot, it should go out of the ground,” he shared. This early encouragement helped Abhishek hit eight sixes in his remarkable innings.
Bond with Shubman Gill
Abhishek’s close relationship with Shubman Gill has also played a crucial role in his journey. He often uses Shubman’s bat in crucial matches, a tradition that dates back to their childhood. “The journey has been very beautiful,” Abhishek reminisced. “When we started playing, we were around 10-11 years, and we have been playing since U12 together. The ultimate goal was to represent the country.”
Overcoming Disappointment and Focusing on Goals
Reflecting on the team’s mindset after losing the series opener, Abhishek highlighted their collective resilience. “Losing a game like that after the country has won a T20 World Cup was disappointing for the players,” he admitted. However, the young squad’s long-standing camaraderie helped them stay focused. “We were all youngsters and have been playing together and against each other since childhood. So none of us went into our shells after losing; we were instead all together and thinking about the hard work we put in all those years,” he said.
Looking Ahead to the Decider
With the series now tied at 1-1, the third and final game is set to take place on July 10 at the same venue. Abhishek and his teammates are determined to carry forward their momentum and secure the series win.(live score cricket ipl)