Abhishek Sharma Responds To Yuvraj Singh's 12-Ball Fifty Challenge After Century vs New Zealand

Abhishek Sharma has been in sensational form for India, and his latest performance against New Zealand has once again brought comparisons with his mentor, Yuvraj Singh.

The left-handed opener smashed a stunning century in the third T20I on Tuesday, helping India beat New Zealand by six wickets and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

However, after the match, Abhishek made it clear that scoring a half-century in just 12 balls, a record set by Yuvraj, is not something a batter can achieve whenever he wants.

ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir's Two-Word Social Media Post After India's Win vs NZ In 3rd T20I Goes Viral

Abhishek Sharma Responds To Yuvraj Singh’s Challenge

Yuvraj, who has guided Abhishek over the years, recently took a playful dig at his student on social media, pointing out that the young batter was yet to score a fifty off just 12 deliveries.

Yuvraj achieved the remarkable feat during the 2007 T20 World Cup, when he smashed six sixes in an over against England. He reached his half-century in just 12 balls, a record that still stands as the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20 internationals.

Speaking during the post-match presentation after his match-winning knock against New Zealand, Abhishek admitted that repeating his mentor’s achievement was far from easy.

“I don’t know what cricket he was playing back at that time, but it’s not that easy at all,” Abhishek said.

“I would say if any batter wants to go there and bat like that, it’s not easy at all. You can’t just go and score 50 off 12 balls. It just happens once in a while,” he added.

Abhishek Sharma Reveals His Approach With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Abhishek also explained that he does not go out to chase individual records. Instead, his priority is to give India a strong start and help the team win matches.

The opener said the same approach applies to young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, with both players looking to put the opposition under pressure from the start.

“As a batter, we don’t go for that milestone. We always want to win the game for the team. So that was the plan, and that’s what we want to take throughout the series as well, and it went well,” he said.

Abhishek’s innings against New Zealand was a perfect example of that mindset. He scored 113 off just 38 balls, hitting 11 sixes and nine fours as India chased down the target of 199 in only 13.2 overs.

His explosive knock earned him the Player of the Match award.

Abhishek Credits India’s Coaches For His Success

While his natural attacking style has made him one of India’s most dangerous batters in T20 cricket, Abhishek also highlighted the work that goes into his performances behind the scenes.

The left-hander credited the coaching staff and the team’s extensive practice with sidearm deliveries for helping him prepare for different bowling styles and match situations.

“I feel it’s not that, I wouldn’t say it’s easy, that easy, but it’s just the preparation behind the scenes. I would say a special mention to our coaches because of the sidearms; we’ve been playing them a lot,” he said.

Abhishek also explained how he plans his shots based on the conditions, the dimensions of the ground and the bowlers he faces.

“If you see the conditions and the dimensions, that’s always in your mind, and then you have to keep the bowlers also in your mind and play the shots according to the bowlers. And that’s all I do,” he added.

When Is The Next India vs New Zealand T20I?

India will look to continue their winning run when they face New Zealand in the fourth T20I on October 30 at Eden Park in Auckland.