Abhishek has become a household name because of his explosive batting.
Abhishek Sharma has become a household name because of his explosive batting for the Indian cricket team lately. The left-handed opener is currently producing fireworks in the Asia Cup 2025, returning with knocks of 30 (16 balls) and 31 (13 balls) against the UAE and Pakistan respectively.
Ahead of India’s final group-stage match against Oman, Abhishek’s father Rajkumar Sharma revealed that the southpaw’s power-hitting is the result of years of dedication and hard work, including facing deliveries at 150 kmph as a 16-year-old.
Rajkumar further stated that Abhishek’s journey to becoming the numero uno T20I batter began when he insisted on using his father’s cricket gear, troubled his mother, and involved his two sisters in late-night practice sessions.
“There was a cricket atmosphere in my house. He was a child when he used to play with my bat. He used to trouble his mother. I have two daughters and he used to ask them to help him practice, make him bat at night," Rajkumar explained in a BCCI video titled ‘The Making of Abhishek Sharma’.
“Sometimes he used to tell me I need diving practice, throw a catch to me. Seeing his passion, I thought he could become a player, then I brought him to the ground. The senior players used to say, your son has a lot of talent, he would play for India."
“I used to say he is still a kid, he just learnt to hold the bat. But all the blessings, love of the people and his hard work has brought him here," the proud father added.
In the match against Pakistan, Abhishek Sharma was particularly severe on Shaheen Shah Afridi, hitting the left-arm quick for two boundaries and as many sixes. His 13-ball 31 provided India with a fiery start as the Men in Blue chased down the target of 128 with 25 deliveries to spare.
Rajkumar, a former Delhi left-arm spinner who appeared in nine first-class and three List A matches, helped his son develop the all-round skills.
“I used to be a left-arm spinner, I’ve also played and I used to make him bowl a lot. I used to give him tips, I used to see his style, I used to make him do everything. Because of that he has become a good bowler and in future he will bowl well for India," he said.
Rajkumar also revealed that Abhishek’s clean striking was owing to the “fearless" foundation laid in his teenage days.
“When I used to train Abhishek, I made him face bowlers who bowled 150 kmph during his under-16 days, I trained him like that. All the kids used to say, ‘paaji he might get hurt’.
“I used to ask him, ‘Abhishek will play bowlers bowling at 150 kmph?’ He would say ‘Papa make them bowl faster, I’ll play that as well’. So, this is how his technique was formed. His power-hitting is natural."
Rajkumar also highlighted former India star Yuvraj Singh’s significant role in refining Abhishek for the big stage.
“Yuvraj Singh also has a huge part to play in his making. He spent a lot of time with him, gave him advice and shared his experience, so thanks to him as well. Yuvi has helped him a lot to give international-level experience.
“Now many big players and many good coaches have joined him, they have a lot of experience. I’m very happy that Abhishek got such teachers.
“They give him love and blessings. He is playing for India, we are very happy that God has given him a chance. I pray to God that India wins the Asia Cup and he performs well and helps India win it."