After the 24-year-old left-handed batter Abhishek Sharma of Amritsar scored 135 runs off only 54 balls in the fifth T20I against England, Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian men’s team, was nothing but full of praise on Sunday (February 2). During his innings at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, Abhishek whacked seven fours and an incredible number of 13 sixes.
According to Gambhir, who assumed charge as head coach of Team India in July 2024, he has not seen a “better T20 century” that was scored by Abhishek for the team will play ‘fearless’ cricket going forward.
“Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports after the match that they are going to play fearless cricket going forward, and all support will be given to players like Abhishek Sharma. We have to be patient with these boys since most of them adhere to the fearless cricket ideology.”
“I don’t think I have seen a better T20 bowler – Abhishek’s ton was scored against bowlers who consistently bowled at pace ranges from 140-150 kmph.”
In the fifth T20 match, Abhishek opened India’s batting and reached 50 runs in mere 17 balls and 100 runs in 37 balls. With this performance, Abhishek on Sunday became the sixth Indian batter to score century after century in his T20I career; he now commands the record for the most runs and sixes in a T20I innings by any Men in Blue.
Gambhir’s explosive innings from the start allowed India to secure their position against Jos Buttler’s side for a big win by 150 runs under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, leading India to clinch the series 4-1.