“Papa iss se bhi tez karayo”: Abhishek Sharma’s father on son facing 150 mph deliveries during training as U16 player
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Abhishek Sharma, the explosive Indian opener, has been smashing records in T20 cricket, but his journey started with a childhood passion that even his family couldn’t ignore. In a heartfelt chat shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Abhishek’s father, Raj Kumar Sharma, a former first-class cricketer, revealed how his son fell in love with the game from a young age.
Raj Kumar shared that their home buzzed with cricket energy. “I played first-class cricket, so the atmosphere was all about the sport,” he said. Little Abhishek grabbed his dad’s bat and even pestered his mom and two sisters to help him practice batting at night. “He’d ask me to throw catches for diving practice too,” Raj Kumar added with a laugh.
As Abhishek’s first coach, Raj Kumar spotted his raw talent early. Senior players often told him, “Your son has huge potential—he’ll play for India one day.” Raj Kumar brushed it off at first, saying, “He’s just a kid learning to hold the bat.” But with blessings, love, and endless hard work, Abhishek made it big.
Being a left-arm spinner himself, Raj Kumar trained Abhishek in bowling too, sharing tips that sharpened his skills. “He’s a fantastic bowler now and will shine for India,” his dad said proudly. What stands out most is Abhishek’s fearless approach to batting. During under-16 training, Raj Kumar made him face express pace over 150 kmph. Everyone worried he’d get hurt, but Abhishek urged, “Papa, make them bowl even faster!” That’s how his solid technique and natural power-hitting took shape.
Raj Kumar also praised Yuvraj Singh, the India World Cup hero famous for hitting six sixes in an over. “Yuvraj gave Abhishek years of mentorship and still guides him,” he said. Teaming up with Australian star Travis Head for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2024 IPL took Abhishek’s six-hitting to another level. “I’m thankful for all the big players, coaches, BCCI selectors, and support staff who’ve backed him,” Raj Kumar added. He wrapped up with a wish: “I pray India wins the ongoing Asia Cup.”
Abhishek’s form backs up the hype. In the Asia Cup so far, he’s scored 61 runs in two matches at an average of 30.50, with a best of 31 and a strike rate over 210. Across 19 T20Is for India, he boasts 596 runs at 33.11 average and 195.40 strike rate, including two centuries and two fifties—his highest is 135.
In all T20 cricket, Abhishek has smashed 4,095 runs in 144 innings at 31.50 average and 166.80 strike rate, with seven centuries and 22 fifties, peaking at 141. This year alone, in seven T20Is, he’s racked up 340 runs at 48.57 average and blistering 217.94 strike rate, highlighted by a 54-ball 135 against England at Wankhede and a quick fifty.
Overall in 21 T20s this year (including IPL), Abhishek has piled on 779 runs in 20 innings at 38.95 average and 203.39 strike rate, featuring two centuries and three fifties. His standout knock? A destructive 141 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) that left fans in awe.
From backyard antics to international stardom, Abhishek Sharma’s story shows how passion and grit can turn dreams into reality in Indian cricket.
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