Abhishek Sharma Learns About India Call-Up During Sher-E-Punjab T20 Match, Says ‘Saw It On Big Screen’
New Delhi: Abhishek Sharma was in the midst of a Sher-e-Punjab T20 match when the BCCI announced the Indian squad for the Zimbabwe tour on Monday, revealed the Sunrisers Hyderabad batter. The news of Sharma’s maiden India call-up was flashed across the stadium’s big screen, much to the surprise of the Punjab batter.
“As a youngster, it’s a dream come true for anyone who has been playing for so long and gets a call-up. So, I’m very happy. The ultimate goal has been obviously to represent the country. When I go back to all my hard and check the routines are being followed, and then I find that my name is there… so it makes me feel very happy,” Sharma said at the post-match presentation after his team Agri Kings Knights beat Istersoft Titans.
“It’s just the start for me. The goal is more than that but right now, I’m very grateful. I saw it on the big screen. But I had an idea about it because as a cricketer you know it when you have been doing good. When you see yourself in the Indian team, it’s definitely a great moment,” he added.
Abhishek Sharma was on the field in #SherePunjabT20Cup2024 when the Indian team for Zimbabwe tour was announced.
Had a chance post match to speak with him and get thoughts on his Team India call-up. #IndvsZim #IndvZim #IndiaCricket pic.twitter.com/p674xu0KeR
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) June 24, 2024
Playing for SRH in IPl 2024, Sharma grabbed everyone’s attention with his batting at the top alongside with Travis Head. The left-hander also smashed 42 sixes in this year’s tournament – most by any batter. Sharma also recorded the fastest half-century in SRH’s history in just 16 balls, against Mumbai Indian.
The SRH opener finished the season with 484 runs in 16 innings, including three half-centuries, while his side finished runners-up to Kolkata Knight Riders. Before IPL, Sharma impressed in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign and played a crucial role in Punjab’s title-winning campaign. He amassed 485 runs in 10 innings for Punjab in SMAT 2023-24.
With all the senior players being rested, the BCCI has named Shubman Gill as India captain for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe tour. Besides Sharma, players like Riyan Parag, Tushar Deshpande, and Nitish Reddy also got maiden India call-ups. Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who are currently in the Caribbean, are the only two players from the current T20 World Cup squad included in the team.
India’s squad for T20I series against Zimbabwe: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Reddy, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande.