Young India opener Abhishek Sharma starred for his team as the Men in Blue thumped Zimbabwe by 100 runs in the second T20i of the five-match series on Sunday in Harare. This was after India had lost the first game on Saturday.

Abhishek Sharma had debuted in the first T20I and only managed a 4-ball duck. However, he made for it by scoring a scintillating 100 in 47 balls with 7 fours and 8 sixes, propelling India to 234/2 in 20 overs.

Abhishek won the Player of the Match award and the first thing he did was video calling his mentor Yuvraj Singh.

In a video shared by BCCI’s official X handle on Monday, former Indian cricketer Yuvraj expresses his happiness in a video call with Abhishek after his good show with the bat.

“Well done, very proud. You deserve it. Many more to come. It’s just a start,” Yuvraj said, and in reply, Abhishek thanked him by saying, “Thank you, Paaji.”

Furthermore, Abhishek, who smashed eight sixes and seven fours, revealed that he used his childhood friend Shubman Gill’s bat to score his maiden international century.

“Ye U-14 se chal raha hai. Jab bbhi mai uske bat se khela hun acha hua hai (I have been doing this since our U-14 days, whenever I play with his bat I do well). I want to tell everyone that I played with his bat only. It is tough to get a bat from him, he doesn’t give away that easily.

It is my last option, when I need that comeback I ask him for his bat. He gave me his bat very timely, it was a much-needed innings for me and the team as well,” he said.

The youngster also revealed what Yuvraj told me after he got out on zero in the first match.

“I spoke to him yesterday and he said I don’t know why but he was very happy when I was out on zero. He said that’s a good start. I think he must be very proud of me just like my family. I am playing at this level because of him. The hard work he has put on me. For the past two, three years he has worked hard not only on my cricket but even off the field as well,” he added.

While talking about his knock against Zimbabwe, Abhishek said: “Today I felt like it is my day and I should take it deep. After we lost, the positive was that we didn’t have much time to think about it. The next match was a day later.

When I make my mind that I can attack this bowler, I don’t give it a second thought. I got that flow and I just wanted to express myself. I spoke to Rutu as well, he also said that whatever in your area just go and hit.”

Here is the video: