Yuvraj Singh Encourages Abhishek Sharma After His First T20I Century

Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh anticipates more stellar performances from India opener Abhishek Sharma after the young player scored his first international century. This achievement came during the second T20I against Zimbabwe on Sunday, July 7, at Harare Sports Club.

Abhishek's remarkable comeback came just a day after he registered a duck on his international debut. The 23-year-old showcased his batting prowess by scoring a 46-ball century, marking the third joint-fastest century by an Indian in T20I cricket.

The young cricketer credited his success to training sessions with Yuvraj Singh. After the match, Abhishek received a congratulatory call from his mentor, making the moment even more special. "I'm very proud. Well done. You deserve it. Many more to come. This is just the start," Yuvraj told Abhishek during their video call.

In a video shared by BCCI, Yuvraj, who currently leads the Indian Champions side in the World Championship of Legends, praised Abhishek for his maiden ton in T20I cricket. He expressed confidence that many more centuries would follow from Abhishek's bat.

Abhishek earned his place in the Indian senior team following an outstanding IPL 2024 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He scored 484 runs in 16 innings with a strike rate of 204.22 and hit 42 sixes, the highest for the season.

Before IPL 2024, Abhishek had already shown signs of his aggressive approach in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he smashed 39 sixes and played a crucial role in Punjab's title win.

Memorable Century

Abhishek started aggressively right from the beginning, opening his account with a six over deep backward square leg and reaching his first fifty also with a six. He accelerated to his century in just 13 balls after scoring his fifty in 33 balls.

The left-handed batsman's 46-ball century included seven fours and eight maximums. His performance highlighted his ability to bounce back strongly after a disappointing debut.

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— BCCI (@BCCI) July 8, 2024

Reflecting on this special moment, Abhishek thanked Yuvraj for his guidance both on and off the field. He felt that Yuvraj would be as proud of him as his family was. "That was, again, a very special moment," said Abhishek.

"It is all because of him as well. The hard work he has put on me. Two, three years he's been working really hard on me and everything. I wouldn't say just on my cricket, even off the field as well. So, it's a big moment."