Dubai: With a remarkable 314 runs at an astounding strike rate of 200, Abhishek Sharma undeniably shone as the standout player of the Asia Cup. His fearless performances rightfully earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
The 25-year-old’s ascent to the pinnacle wasn’t a swift dash but a challenging, winding path paved with relentless persistence, continuous self-improvement, and steadfast encouragement from his family and mentors. Reflecting on his journey, Abhishek emphasized that his experience breaking into the Indian team provided him with invaluable lessons.
“Some players make it into the team right away,” he explained to reporters at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. “I, however, had to earn every bit of my place. And honestly, I’m grateful for that journey, because if my path had been easier, I wouldn’t have acquired even half the knowledge and skills I possess today.”
His tenure in domestic cricket was far from a mere waiting game; it was a rigorous training ground that forged his abilities.
“I was afforded the opportunity to experiment and meticulously refine my game,” he noted. “Not everyone receives that privilege. Since I had more time, I dedicated myself to working even harder.”
This extensive preparation was vividly displayed throughout the tournament. Abhishek batted with remarkable composure, never allowing high-pressure scenarios, particularly in intense matches against Pakistan, to overwhelm him.
“I’ve never approached any match feeling the weight of pressure,” he affirmed. “Our approach is always the same: we prepare with equal dedication for every single game.”
Sharma attributed this fearless approach largely to the unwavering support he received from head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav.
“The attacking style of cricket I play thrives on confidence,” Abhishek explained. “Both Gauti paaji (Gautam Gambhir) and Surya paaji (Suryakumar Yadav) granted me immense freedom. In an aggressive game, performances naturally ebb and flow. However, their consistent support through my highs and lows, and their unwavering trust, truly made all the difference.”
This strong support system has been pivotal to his success. “When you commit to such high-risk cricket, failures are inevitable,” he stated. “The manner in which they managed me and communicated with me during those challenging periods is precisely why I’m able to play with such freedom today. That kind of team support means absolutely everything.”
For Abhishek, this Asia Cup triumph marks not an endpoint, but a vital launching pad. “I truly believe this is just the beginning,” he concluded, “not only for my personal journey but for our entire team. There’s still a long road ahead, and we’re ready for it.”