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After a disappointing debut for India in the first T20I against Zimbabwe on Saturday (July 6), where he was dismissed for a four-ball duck, Abhishek Sharma made a remarkable comeback on Sunday (July 7), scoring 100 runs. The 23-year-old right-handed batsman, who joined India’s T20I team following a stellar IPL 2024 performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad, faced 47 balls and hit seven fours and eight sixes to reach his century. He partnered with Ruturaj Gaikwad (77 not out) for a 137-run stand for the second wicket, helping India post a total of 234 runs.
For his outstanding batting display in the second T20I, which India won by 100 runs to tie the five-match series, Abhishek was awarded Player of the Match. Following the game at Harare Sports Club, Abhishek video-called his parents and ‘special person’ Yuvraj Singh.
In a video shared on BCCI’s official X handle on Monday, former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh is seen expressing his happiness during a video call with Abhishek after his impressive performance.
“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.”
After the call, Abhishek shared that he had also spoken with Yuvraj following the first T20I, and the legendary all-rounder was surprisingly happy even after his four-ball duck.
“That was again a very special moment. Yuvi paaji se kal he meri baat hui thi, and he said, I don’t know why, but he was very happy jab mai 0 par out hua. He was like, ‘That’s a good start,’ but I think he must be very proud today as well, just like my family, and so I am really happy.”
“It’s all because of him as well. The hard work he has put on me, for the past for the past 2-3 years he has been working really hard on me. I wouldn’t say just on my cricket but off the field as well, so it’s a big moment,” he added.
