Dubai: Childhood friends Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma have been a constant presence together throughout this Asia Cup campaign. From disembarking the team bus to sharing net sessions and walking off the field after practice, their bond is evident.
Staying true to their playful dynamic, Gill maintained his composure while Abhishek playfully ribbed his friend whenever fans approached India’s vice-captain for an autograph. “Aapko prince ke saath photo leni hai (You want to click a photo with the prince),” he quipped during a fan interaction last week at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai.
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These two cricketers, who have been opening partners since their Under-12 days, have certainly come a long way. They now stand as designated openers for Team India in the ongoing Asia Cup. While Abhishek has been in stellar form, delivering explosive starts in all three league matches with 99 runs at a scorching strike rate of 225, Gill has found runs harder to come by, accumulating just 35 runs across three group games.
It’s during challenging times that true friendships shine brightest. On Saturday, at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai, just a day before the colossal clash, Abhishek embodied the spirit of a true friend by stepping into a mentorship role for Shubman. Interestingly, only three Indian players — Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Varun Chakravarthy — attended the optional nets, joined by the support staff, including coach Gautam Gambhir.
Gill endured an intense hour-and-a-half batting session, initially facing challenges from Abhishek’s left-arm spin. Abhishek prompted Gill to practice the inside-out lofted shot over extra cover. Despite his efforts, Gill struggled to connect effectively with sweeps and switch-hits against Abhishek’s consistent, flat deliveries.
Sharma then took charge, instructing side-arm thrower Nuwan Seneviratne to focus deliveries on the off and middle stumps, aiming to sharpen Gill’s reflexes and footwork. He even brought in Varun Chakravarthy, who was quietly experimenting in an adjacent net, to further test Gill’s mental fortitude. Chakravarthy relentlessly challenged India’s vice-captain, particularly whenever Gill attempted to aggressively charge down the pitch.
An hour later, it was Abhishek’s turn to bat. He confidently padded up and began dominating the net bowlers with apparent ease. Meanwhile, Gill was seen consulting with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who provided continuous insights. Soon after his powerful batting display, Abhishek joined their discussion, offering his fresh perspectives.
Following their sessions, the pair meticulously packed their equipment and departed the venue together, a testament to their enduring camaraderie.
For India to truly excel against Pakistan, they will undoubtedly require both Gill’s elegant class and Abhishek’s explosive firepower. If the intensity and camaraderie witnessed during Saturday’s net session are any indication, this deep friendship could very well evolve into the crucial partnership India desperately needs under the high-pressure “ring of fire” in Dubai.