Whenever I need runs, I ask for Shubman Gill’s bat: Abhishek Sharma

Young India all-rounder Abhishek Sharma had a terrific time with the bat in the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare. After flopping in the first game, there was pressure on him, especially with Yashasvi Jaiswal set to join the squad ahead of the third T20I. Abhishek however dealt with the pressure well and played an attacking brand of cricket putting Zimbabwe in trouble.

Skipper Shubman Gill departed in the second over of the game and after that, Abhishek took some time to settle down and once he did, he mostly dealt in boundaries. The Punjab-born cricketer hit seven boundaries and eight sixes and recorded his maiden international century in Harare. 

After the game, Abhishek revealed that he used Gill’s bat to score the century in the second T20I. The duo shares a close friendship, both being mentored by former cricketer Yuvraj Singh. They played a lot of cricket together in domestic cricket and which is why, Abhishek didn’t hesitate to ask for Gill’s bat. The 23-year-old also revealed that whenever he wants to score runs, he asks for Gill’s bat.

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“I played with Shubman’s (Gill) bat today; I did it earlier also. Whenever I need runs, I ask for his bat,” Abhishek Sharma said after the match.

If it's in my arc and even if it's the first ball, I will go after it: Abhishek

Courtesy of Abhishek Sharma’s blistering knock, India posted 234 runs in the first innings. The bowlers managed to restrict the hosts to 134 runs, helping the Men in Blue win by 100 runs. Abhishek was eventually adjudged Player of the Match and during which, he talked about his game plan and how he is ready to hit every ball if it's in his arc.

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“I think it was a pretty good performance by me, the defeat we had yesterday, it wasn't easy for us. I felt today it was my day and I made it count. I feel T20 is about momentum and I took it to the end. Special mention to the coaches, captains and the team management to keep confidence. I always believe in my ability, if it's in my arc and even if it's the first ball, I will go after it,” Abhishek said in the post-match presentation.