Cricket

Abhishek Sharma's blistering century in his second T20I match against Zimbabwe has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history. The 23-year-old left-hander not only became the highest scorer for India against Zimbabwe in T20Is but also set a new record for the quickest century by an Indian batsman in this format, achieved in just two innings.Sharma's century came off just 46 balls, studded with seven fours and eight sixes. He reached his milestone with three consecutive sixes, scoring his first 50 runs in 33 balls and his next 50 in a mere 13 balls. His aggressive batting put immense pressure on Zimbabwe's bowlers, who struggled to contain his onslaught.With this knock, Sharma has joined an elite list of young Indians to score a century in T20Is. He is now the fourth-fastest Indian to reach this milestone, behind Deepak Hooda (three innings), KL Rahul (four innings), and Suresh Raina (five innings).Sharma's innings was particularly impressive considering the pressure he was under. India had lost Shubman Gill early in the innings, and the onus was on him to provide stability and momentum. He did so with aplomb, taking the attack to the Zimbabwean bowlers from the outset.His partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad flourished, crossing the 100-run mark. Gaikwad played a supporting role, rotating the strike effectively and allowing Sharma to dominate the proceedings.Sharma's innings came to a dramatic end when he tried to cut Wellington Masakadza and edged the ball to Dion Myers. However, his contribution had already secured India a comfortable victory.Sharma's century is a testament to his talent and potential. He has shown that he has the ability to play with aggression and flair, and he could be a valuable asset to the Indian team in the future.

Shubman Gill, India's newly appointed T20I captain, has outlined his plans for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. Gill confirmed that he will open the batting with Punjab teammate Abhishek Sharma, while Ruturaj Gaikwad will bat at number three.This series marks the beginning of a new era for India in the shortest format, as they prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Gill acknowledged the pressure of filling the void left by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but emphasized that each player has their own goals and aspirations.Gill stressed the importance of performing well as a team, regardless of the pressure associated with a new cycle. He expressed excitement about the opportunity for young players to make their debuts and gain international experience.The Indian team will face challenging conditions in Harare, but Gill is confident that they are prepared. He praised Zimbabwe's T20 team, noting their competitive performance in the recent ODI series.Gill believes that his experience as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL will help him navigate the challenges of leading India in an international series. He emphasized the mental aspects of captaincy, such as instilling confidence in players to execute their skills on the field.

India's historic triumph in the T20 World Cup has ignited a wave of inspiration and motivation among the country's rising stars. Abhishek Sharma, who witnessed the thrilling victory alongside mentor Yuvraj Singh, expressed his awe at the emotions displayed by the former all-rounder."Watching Yuvi paji get emotional after India's win was a profound moment," said Sharma. "It's a dream for all of us to win an ICC trophy, and he has done it multiple times. I will never forget that moment."The young cricketers set to represent India in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe have expressed their admiration and determination to emulate their senior counterparts. Shubman Gill, leading the contingent for the first time, hailed the World Cup victory as a "feather in the cap" for the team."It's a special moment for all of them and for me," said Gill. "They have worked very hard for this."Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed his delight at witnessing the legendary trio of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja bid farewell to T20I cricket on a high note. "To have a win of this kind, where we were almost in the jaws of defeat, and then to come back and win is a special moment," said Gaikwad.Riyan Parag, set to make his T20I debut against Zimbabwe, termed India's victory as an inspiration for all budding cricketers in the nation. "It's motivating for all of us, and the young cricketers in India," said Parag.Fresh off an impressive IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Abhishek Sharma had the privilege of watching the final alongside the legendary Yuvraj Singh. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel employed an unconventional approach, reverse-jinxing the outcome to ensure India's victory.The pacers, Mukesh Kumar and Tushar Deshpande, described the win as a "miracle", while Avesh Khan celebrated the momentous occasion with local fans, vowing to maintain the high standards set by the World Cup-winning team. Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar echoed similar sentiments, with Bishnoi expressing his joy through solitary celebrations in his hotel room.

The Indian cricket team's tour of Zimbabwe has presented a golden opportunity for promising young talents to showcase their skills on the international stage. Among the notable inclusions are all-rounders Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag, along with pacer Tushar Deshpande, who have received their maiden call-ups to the national team.Abhishek Sharma, a 22-year-old batting all-rounder from Punjab, had a breakthrough season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, amassing 484 runs in 16 games at an impressive strike rate of 204.21, including a remarkable 42 sixes. His explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling have earned him recognition, and he will be eager to translate his domestic success to the international arena."I received a call from Gill after the selection, I felt very good. When I went home, I saw that before my interview, my parents were giving interviews. That is the one moment I would cherish for the rest of my life. I felt proud. Ever since I started from day one, I had the dream of playing for India. I knew if I kept working hard I would get an opportunity but did not know I would go outside India, to Zimbabwe. This feels like a reunion," said Abhishek.Tushar Deshpande has been rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket. Known for his ability to extract bounce and movement off the pitch, Deshpande will be looking to make an impact with his pace and accuracy in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe."The firsts are always special as we all say, same for me because playing for the country is very special. Travelling with the team, and getting to know them is important. The fun we have during travels is also important," the pacer asserted.21-year-old Riyan Parag has been a consistent performer in the IPL, emerging as the third-highest run-getter in the 2024 edition with 573 runs in 16 matches, including four half-centuries."Ever since I was a kid, it was a dream to travel like this. Though we play matches, but traveling, wearing Indian clothes, is a dream. It is a new team, almost, a lot of new and old faces. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamt of it. There will be a special connection with Zimbabwe," added Parag.The inclusion of these talented players in the Indian squad reflects the team management's commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent. The tour of Zimbabwe will provide them with a valuable opportunity to gain international experience and showcase their abilities on a global stage.

Young Indian cricketers Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, and Nitish Reddy have earned their maiden call-ups to the national team for the upcoming white-ball tour of Zimbabwe. The trio impressed with their performances in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL).Parag, a 21-year-old all-rounder from Assam, emerged as a key player for Rajasthan Royals in IPL-17. He amassed 573 runs, including four half-centuries, and claimed 18 wickets. His consistent batting and handy off-spin bowling earned him a place in the Indian squad.Sharma, a 22-year-old left-handed batter, was a standout performer for Punjab Kings. He scored 484 runs, including three half-centuries, and was one of the most consistent batters in the tournament. His ability to play spin and pace effectively impressed the selectors.Reddy, a 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, made a name for himself with his impressive performances for Gujarat Titans. He scored 289 runs and took 10 catches in the IPL. His solid batting and reliable glovework earned him a spot in the Indian team.The Zimbabwe tour, which begins on July 6, will comprise five T20 Internationals. The Indian team will be led by Shubman Gill, who was also part of the traveling reserves for the T20 World Cup in the Americas.Other IPL performers who have been included in the squad are Tushar Deshpande, Harshit Rana, Avesh Khan, and Rinku Singh. Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who were on the bench during the T20 World Cup, have also been recalled.The tour will provide an opportunity for the young players to showcase their skills at the international level. It will also serve as a preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup later this year.

Abhishek Sharma, the rising star of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has emerged as a force to reckon with in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The young batsman has showcased exceptional batting skills, amassing an impressive 484 runs in 16 innings with a remarkable strike rate of 204.02. His ability to hit the ball to all corners of the ground has been a sight to behold.Sharma's success can be attributed to the significant influence of renowned players like Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Dravid. His father and childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, shared insights into the impact these legends have had on his career.Yuvraj Singh, known for his explosive batting style, has dedicated his time and effort to train young talents like Abhishek. "I feel very good when world-class players like Yuvraj Singh train young kids then there could not be anything better than that," said Rajkumar. "Yuvi has had a huge impact on his career, he worked really hard and used to make him train all day and night."Abhishek's admiration for Yuvraj Singh was evident from a young age. Rajkumar recalled, "He used to consider Yuvraj as his idol and used to say 'Mai Yuvi paaji ke tarah batting karunga' (I want to bat like Yuvraj Singh). He used to watch his videos and once they started training together even Yuvi himself said ki 'mujhe aise lag raha hai mai khud batting karraha hun' (It seems like I am batting) and then he and his entire team used to train him, Yuvi used to himself stand and watch him bat."Throughout the 2024 IPL season, Abhishek Sharma proved his mettle as a formidable opening batsman. His explosive batting style and impressive strike rate of 204.22 led to some memorable partnerships with his teammate Travis Head.Rajkumar further emphasized Abhishek's innate talent and the opportunities he received to interact with cricketing legends. From a young age, Abhishek's ability to hit long sixes and clear the stadium boundaries left everyone in awe. As he grew older, he had the privilege of meeting and learning from esteemed players like Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid, and Brian Lara."I used to get good bowlers and he used to hit sixes and even clear the ball out of the stadium. Everyone used to be shocked that a kid hits long sixes. And I used to tell everyone he was gifted. When he got older he went to professional coaches and top players and I thanked them for this result. He met Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid and Brian Lara and started travelling the country and playing well," stated the youngster.Abhishek Sharma's exceptional performance in the 2024 IPL season is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the guidance he has received from cricketing legends. As he continues to grow and develop, he is poised to become one of the most exciting batsmen in the world.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's remarkable turnaround this season, from last place in 2021 to playoff contenders, is a testament to their strategic acquisitions and the leadership of Pat Cummins.Australian Firepower:The inclusion of Australian captain Cummins and opener Travis Head brought a new dimension to the team. Cummins' experience and leadership stabilized the side, while Head's aggressive batting at the top provided a much-needed spark.Head-Abhishek Combination:The duo of Head and Abhishek Sharma formed a formidable opening partnership, setting new records for powerplay batting. Their aggressive approach often sealed games early, with Sharma hitting the most sixes in the season and SRH amassing the most maximums.Cummins' Captaincy:Cummins' leadership was crucial in SRH's success. He effectively communicated with domestic players, made bold decisions, and adapted his strategy to suit different conditions. His partnership with head coach Daniel Vettori, who had worked with him in the Australian national team setup, proved invaluable.Home Fortress:SRH made their home ground a fortress, winning five of their six matches there. This home advantage played a significant role in their playoff qualification.Bowling Unit:While the batters stole the limelight, the bowling unit of T Natarajan, Cummins, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar quietly did their job. Their combined 48 wickets helped SRH control the opposition's scoring.High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy:SRH's success was built on a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Their aggressive batting approach, coupled with their willingness to take calculated risks, captured the imagination of fans and opponents alike.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed the triumph of Kolkata Knight Riders for the third time, as they outplayed Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets. Amidst the tournament's excitement, several young cricketers emerged as standout performers, showcasing their exceptional skills and potential.Jake Fraser-McGurk:The Australian opener, playing for Delhi Capitals, impressed with his fearless batting in his debut IPL season. Despite being a late addition to the team, Fraser-McGurk amassed 330 runs at a remarkable strike rate of over 234 in nine games. His performances earned him a spot as a traveling reserve for Australia's T20 World Cup squad.Abhishek Sharma:The 23-year-old left-hander played a pivotal role in Sunrisers Hyderabad's run to the final. In 16 games, he scored 484 runs with a strike rate of over 200, forming a formidable opening partnership with Travis Head. Abhishek's contributions extended to his left-arm spin, as he claimed two wickets against Rajasthan Royals to help Hyderabad reach their third IPL final.Will Jacks:The English all-rounder earned a place in England's World Cup squad on the back of his impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jacks showcased his devastating batting skills, scoring a century off just 41 balls against Gujarat Titans. His partnership with Virat Kohli, where he surpassed the former captain's score, was a testament to his talent.Tristan Stubbs:The South African finisher emerged as a key player for Delhi Capitals, despite the team's disappointing sixth-place finish. Stubbs recorded the highest ever IPL strike rate for at least 100 runs in the final overs, with a staggering 297.33. His unbeaten 25-ball 57 against Lucknow Super Giants showcased his ability to close out games.Matheesha Pathirana:Known as "Baby Malinga" for his slinging action, the 21-year-old fast bowler impressed for Chennai Super Kings. Pathirana claimed 13 wickets in six games before a hamstring injury cut short his IPL campaign. His ability to choke runs in the final overs drew comparisons to the legendary Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga.These young cricketers have demonstrated their immense potential and are poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming T20 World Cup. Their performances in the IPL have not only earned them recognition but also paved the way for them to represent their countries on the global stage.

Abhishek Sharma, the young all-rounder from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has emerged as a crucial player for his team in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Despite primarily being known for his explosive batting, Sharma's bowling skills have proven to be equally valuable, as evidenced by his match-winning spell in the Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals.Throughout the season, Sharma had only bowled three overs in 14 matches. However, in the crucial Qualifier 2, he was called upon to deliver and he did not disappoint. His left-arm spin proved to be a potent weapon, as he dismissed Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer, two of their key batsmen.Sharma's bowling spell of 2 for 24 played a pivotal role in restricting Rajasthan Royals to 139 for 7, well below SRH's total of 175 for 9. His performance earned him praise from former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody, who described him as a "serious package" for the future of Indian cricket.Moody highlighted Sharma's unique combination of batting and bowling abilities, comparing him to Australia's off-spin legend Nathan Lyon. He noted that Sharma's ability to toss the ball up and generate overspin gives his deliveries a dipping trajectory, making them difficult to read for batsmen.Sharma's bowling performance in Qualifier 2 was a testament to his hard work and dedication. Despite not being a regular bowler in domestic cricket, he has been diligently working on his bowling skills with his father.With his impressive all-round performance, Sharma has established himself as a valuable asset for SRH and a potential star for the Indian cricket team in the future. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a versatile player who can adapt to different situations and play a key role in his team's success.