Abhishek Sharma is set to make his home debut for India in the second T20I against South Africa in Mullanpur on Thursday (December 11). Ahead of this important match, Abhishek Sharma’s coaches revealed about the hard work he has put in over the years behind his rise in the Indian cricket team.
The power, timing and confidence that the young batting sensation shows at the crease is the result of years of hard work, discipline and practice which started when he was a young boy. From the age of 11-12, Abhishek’s life revolved around cricket. His father and first coach, Rajkumar Sharma, ensured that his son lived like a professional athlete even in his teenage years.
Abhishek Sharma’s 4 am morning routine revealed before home debut
The proud father revealed that Abhishek’s days started at 4 am with gym workouts, running, swimming and all kinds of training to build fitness, strength and stamina. After that, he batted for hours, perfecting his technique and working on his shots.
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The Indian Express quoted Rajkumar Sharma as saying, “His day started at 4 in the morning. From gym and exercise to running and swimming – he did everything he could to continuously improve as a player.”
Those who trained and watched him in Mohali still remember how he used to hit sixes with such ease that the balls would go into the stands and the ground staff would have to bring them back. Even at such a young age he showed strength and timing that is rare in children of his age.
Punjab’s junior coach Arun Bedi remembers being amazed by Abhishek’s skill when he would clear the ropes with ease while others were still learning to time the ball. “Abhishek used to hit sixes with high shots at an age when boys are still learning to center the ball. It speaks volumes about his skills,” Bedi said.
Abhishek Sharma is afraid of Yuvraj Singh: Papa!
Meanwhile, over the years, some of cricket’s greatest minds have helped shape the player Abhishek Sharma has become. From sessions with VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid in the national team to learning under Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara in the IPL, he has learned lessons from every corner apart from his father and coaches.
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But it was the great all-rounder Yuvraj Singh who changed everything for the youngster. Yuvraj started guiding Abhishek during the COVID lockdown and since then, his influence has been strong. And even the Indian opener acknowledged Yuvraj’s influence on his game several times.
Abhishek’s father shared, “Even now, when he thinks Abhishek has made a mistake, he picks up the phone and calls and scolds him. And Abhishek is also scared of him (laughs).”
How Brian Lara and Yuvraj Singh used golf to change Abhishek Sharma’s bat flow
A father and coach also revealed that former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) coach Lara and Yuvraj had also introduced Abhishek to golf, not for relaxation or enjoyment, but to improve his batting movement. He said working on his golf swing has helped a lot.
Rajkumar signed off by saying, “It’s improved his bat swing, it’s obvious.”
