Opener Abhishek Sharma’s dad Rajkumar and sister Komal insist the family remained positive despite his slump in form because they knew their ‘Shera’ would ultimately roar
India’s Abhishek Sharma with his mother Manju (second from left), father Rajkumar (right) and sister Komal (left). Pic/Getty Images
On the eve of the World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Rajkumar Sharma stood quietly in the stands, watching a handful of Indian players undergo their final drills. His presence was more than just parental support; it was part of a mission to support his son, Abhishek Sharma, who had entered the tournament’s climax, battling a persistent slump in form. Abhishek began the tournament with three consecutive ducks followed with scores of 15, 55, 10 and 9 before the final. However, Sharma Sr’s faith was vindicated in spectacular fashion on Sunday as Abhishek dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack with a stellar fifty (21-ball 52, 6x4s, 3x6s), which didn’t just set up India’s title prospects, but also signalled the resurgence of a player many had written off.
“I knew Abhishek’s game shines brightest under pressure,” Rajkumar Sharma told reporters after the win. Having coached Abhishek since childhood, Rajkumar identified some of his technical glitches during the final practice session. “I shared a few specific adjustments during practice, and fortunately the mathematics worked out on the big stage,” he added.
For Abhishek, this World Cup win is the culmination of a journey that began long before his professional debut. His father recalled a conversation following Abhishek’s U-19 World Cup triumph (in 2018): “When he returned from the U-19 win, Abhishek told me that his ultimate dream was to be the architect of a senior World Cup win. The start of this tournament was difficult, but the conclusion was incredibly sweet.”
Abhishek’s sister Dr Komal Sharma revealed how the family kept the faith in their young Shera (sister’s nickname for Abhishek). “We maintained a positive approach. Even Abhishek was positive though he was struggling. He kept telling us not to worry and that his lost spark will return. He proved himself right,” said Komal, who has planned a grand celebration back home in Jalandhar. “We are waiting for him to get home. We have planned a big surprise that will make him very happy. Abhishek and the whole team has made 140 crore Indians proud, and our celebration will match the magnitude of this achievement,” she concluded.
52
No. of runs scored by Abhishek Sharma in the final off 21 balls
89
No. of runs Abhishek Sharma had scored in the T20 WC prior to the final in 7 innings
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