For Yuvraj and India, Abhishek hopes to shine in 2nd T20I vs SA

On his home ground, the India opener will want to put on a show for his mentor, fans

- Shalini Gupta

Not so long ago, Abhishek Sharma was lighting up stadiums in the UAE with his blistering strokeplay during the Asia Cup — a tournament India eventually went on to win, beating Pakistan in the final.

The left-handed opener's fearless hitting not only earned him the player of the tournament award but also propelled him to the top ofthe ICC T20I batting rankings.

For India, Abhishek’s rise, just months before the T20 World Cup —to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka —is a welcome boost. The 25-year-old, a member of India’s 2018 U-19 World Cup-winning side, is clearly hungry for more and intends on maximising every opportunity to build confidence and experience.

‘Although he started brightly in the first T20I against South Africa in Cuttack, he fell for 17 off 12 balls after a sharp catch by Marco Jansen at deep fine leg off Lutho Sipamla.

Come Thursday evening, though, the opener will aim to produce a cracker ofan innings in the second T20I—one that holds special significance as it will be played at his home ground here, which is hosting its first-ever T20L “He was utterly disappointed after getting out early in Cuttack,” said his father, Raj Kumar. “He knows he has to make full use of these matches — vs South Africa now and vs New Zealand in the next series. These games will prepare him well for the T20 World Cup. Since the Asia Cup, he has become more determined and has worked even harder on his training.”