Dubai: With 314 runs at a breathtaking strike rate of 200, Abhishek Sharma emerged as the undisputed star of the Asia Cup, claiming the Player of the Tournament award with a string of fearless performances. The 25-year-old’s rise to the top wasn’t a straight sprint but a long, winding road marked by persistence, self-improvement, and unwavering support from family and mentors. Reflecting on his journey, Abhishek said breaking into the Indian team taught him invaluable lessons. “Some players get into the team straightaway. I had to do everything. And honestly, I’m glad I did — because if I had walked straight into the team, I wouldn’t have learned half of what I know today,” the opener told reporters at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
His time in domestic cricket was no mere waiting period — it was a training ground. “I got time to experiment, to work on my game. Not everyone gets that luxury. I had more time, so I worked harder.” That preparation was evident throughout the tournament as Abhishek batted with unflappable composure, refusing to let high-pressure situations get the better of him, especially in high-octane clashes against Pakistan. “I’ve never felt any match is a pressure match. We prepare for every game the same way,” he said. Crucial to this fearlessness, Abhishek said, was the backing he received from head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. “The way I play, I need confidence — and both Gauti paaji and Surya paaji gave me a lot of freedom. When you play an attacking game, performances can fluctuate. But they supported me through the ups and downs, and that trust made all the difference.” That support system has allowed him to thrive. “If you want to play such high-risk cricket, failures will happen. The way they handled me and spoke to me during those times — that’s why I can play like this today. Having that support from the team is everything.” For Abhishek, the Asia Cup triumph is not an endpoint but a springboard. “I feel this is just the beginning, not just of my journey, but of our team’s. There’s a long way to go.”
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