(Credit IPL)
Abhishek Sharma has earned his maiden opportunity after being selected to represent India in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. The BCCI finalized him in the squad for the IND vs ZIM series, which comprises a total of 5 matches.
Following his selection, Abhishek Sharma disclosed that he received a congratulatory call from Shubman Gill. Notably, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the captain for the T20I series, stepping in after Rohit Sharma’s retirement and with Hardik Pandya absent.
Under Shubman Gill’s leadership, the Indian team will embark on their tour of Zimbabwe from July 6 to July 14, where all five T20I matches will be held at Harare Sports Club in Harare. The series kicks off on Saturday, July 6, and concludes on Sunday, July 14.
I received a call from Shubman Gill after selection: Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma, a left-handed batsman, has been selected as one of the new faces in the national squad, joining newcomers such as Tushar Deshpande, Harshit Rana, and Riyan Parag.
Following his inclusion in the squad, Sharma shared that he received a congratulatory call from captain Shubman Gill. Upon returning home after the call, Sharma mentioned that his parents were giving interviews to the media, reflecting the excitement surrounding his selection.
“I received a call from (Shubman) Gill after the selection, I felt very good. Before my interview, when I reached home, my parents were giving interviews. I felt proud,” he said.
Abhishek Sharma earned his national team selection following an impressive performance in IPL 2024. The left-handed batsman, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, excelled as an opener, amassing 484 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate exceeding 201.
The 23-year-old recorded three half-centuries during the season, achieving a top score of 75 not out. Partnering with Travis Head, Sharma provided blistering starts in numerous matches, contributing to Sunrisers Hyderabad setting the record for the highest team total (287) in IPL 2024. Ultimately, Sunrisers Hyderabad finished as the runners-up in the tournament.
Ishan Kishan has once again been overlooked for the wicketkeeper’s role in the upcoming Zimbabwe series by the BCCI. Instead, Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel have been selected for the wicketkeeping duties in the first two T20I matches. Sanju Samson will take over from Jitesh Sharma for the remaining three games.
Interestingly, several players who participated in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 will return for the latter part of the IND vs ZIM series, replacing some others in the squad. For example, Yashasvi Jaiswal will replace Sai Sudharsan in the later stages.
Khaleel Ahmed, making a comeback after a substantial period, adds intrigue to the side’s composition. With the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the series will provide opportunities for players to solidify their positions in the top order for the shortest format.
