Cricket has an uncanny way of balancing things out, much like life. Abhishek Sharma made his international debut against Zimbabwe on July 6 and was dismissed for a duck. However, just 24 hours later, he transformed from zero to hero by scoring 100 runs in just 47 balls. His explosive innings included seven fours and eight sixes, leaving the Zimbabwean bowlers clueless about where to bowl and what field to set.
A Remarkable Acceleration
What made Abhishek’s innings truly special was his remarkable acceleration. Initially, he scored 24 runs off 22 balls, but then he blasted the next 76 runs at a strike rate exceeding 300. His century came off just 46 balls, reminiscent of Rohit Sharma’s blistering 92 off 41 balls against Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The ‘Hitman’s’ Legacy Lives On
Though Rohit Sharma has retired from T20Is, his legacy endures. Abhishek Sharma’s knock bore shades of the ‘Hitman.’ Coincidentally, Rohit’s first international century was also against Zimbabwe in an ODI back in 2010. Abhishek’s father, Mr. Rajkumar Sharma, credited Rohit for his son’s batting display.
“The demand of T20 cricket now is to attack from ball one. You have to be brave. Rohit Sharma has shown the way for all the Indian youngsters. The template is set, and I am glad that Abhishek is trying to follow in the footsteps of Rohit,” he told the Indian Express.
Following in Great Footsteps
In many ways, Rohit was the invisible hand guiding Abhishek as he smashed his way to his first of hopefully many international centuries. Abhishek Sharma had an outstanding IPL season, scoring 484 runs for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Now, it’s time for him to convert that form into big knocks for the Indian Cricket Team.
Rohit’s Lasting Influence
Rohit Sharma concluded his T20I career after leading India to the title, but his influence on Abhishek Sharma is evident. The ‘Hitman’ departed with the most runs, joint-most centuries, most games, and most sixes in T20Is. If Abhishek can achieve even a fraction of what Rohit has accomplished, Indian cricket will greatly benefit.
This probably is the right time for one ‘Sharma Ji Ka Beta’ to take the baton and carry forward from the other ‘Sharma Ji Ka Beta’.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
