Abhishek Sharma, the dynamic young cricketer, has captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide with his high-intensity, swashbuckling batting style. Known for his aggressive approach, Abhishek has quickly become a key figure in T20 cricket, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL). What makes his story even more remarkable is the admiration he has earned from some of the greatest cricketers, including legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara.
Brian Lara’s Take on Abhishek Sharma’s Game
Brian Lara, who worked with Abhishek Sharma during his time as a mentor with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, has been full of praise for the young talent. During a recent event in Mumbai, organized by CEAT, Lara spoke about Abhishek’s impressive batting style and how he has adopted a game reminiscent of former Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh.
Lara emphasized the similarity in their playing styles, particularly when it comes to bat speed, the ability to hit the ball powerfully, and playing through the line. “Yuvraj Singh has had a big influence on him. You can see the Yuvraj effect in him,” Lara said, highlighting the striking resemblance between Abhishek’s aggressive approach and Yuvraj’s signature strokes.
Abhishek Sharma’s Desire to Play Test Cricket
What truly stands out for Lara, however, is Abhishek’s burning desire to break into the Indian Test cricket team, despite his remarkable success in T20 formats. Lara was particularly impressed by Abhishek’s mindset and ambition to expand his game beyond the shorter formats.
“I know Abhishek from my time at SRH. He is an amazing young player, and I think he is something very special,” Lara shared. He also added, “What stands out is that despite his success in T20s, he still wants to find a way to get into the Test team, which is great. For someone like that to think so big is very special.” This reflects Abhishek’s commitment to improving and excelling in all formats of the game.
Abhishek’s Growth and Recognition in International Cricket
The growth of Abhishek Sharma as a cricketer has been evident, and it has not gone unnoticed by the cricketing world. Recently, he was awarded the Player of the Tournament at the Asia Cup, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in international cricket.
Lara, while expressing admiration for his development, stated, “I don’t have a soft spot per se, but I’ve grown very fond of him. It’s great to see how much he has improved and how far he has come. He’s taken his game to another level.”
Abhishek’s evolution as a cricketer—ranging from his aggressive T20 batting to his ambitions in Test cricket—has earned him recognition from some of the best in the sport. As he continues to mature and refine his game, it’s clear that Abhishek Sharma is one to watch in the coming years.