From Three Ducks to T20 World Cup Glory: Abhishek Sharma Credits Shubman Gill’s Bat
Abhishek Sharma faced severe early pressure during the ICC T20 World Cup, recording three consecutive ducks. The opening batter recently shared the behind-the-scenes story of how a conversation with childhood friend Shubman Gill and a change of equipment helped him recover his scoring form.
The Turning Point at the BCCI Naman Awards
During the recent BCCI Naman Awards, the two teammates participated in a candid public exchange. When asked if he had provided Sharma with any advice prior to the tournament, Gill deflected the question to support his opening partner.
“Who is going to give advice to the world’s No. 1 T20I batter?” Gill said, generating laughter from the audience while backing his teammate.
Sharma quickly shifted the focus to his own struggles during the tournament’s opening phase.
“I was the one who messaged him after three ducks and told him to give me his bat, otherwise some other unwanted record would have been made,” Sharma said. “He told me, you will manage it.”
When questioned about whose bat he prefers using during matches, Sharma gave a direct answer: “Shubman’s, of course.”
Gill confirmed the equipment sharing, adding, “He plays with my bat all the time anyway.”
Final Match Performance and India’s Title Run
Using Gill’s bat, Sharma reversed his tournament trajectory. In the World Cup final against New Zealand, he delivered a rapid half-century that established the foundation for India’s victory.
Here are the key statistics from Sharma’s final innings:
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 52 | 21 | 247.61 | 98 runs (with Sanju Samson) |
Match Highlights:
- Sharma and Sanju Samson built a 98-run opening stand.
- India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to secure the championship.
- This victory marks India’s third T20 World Cup title, adding to their previous wins in 2007 and 2024.
The successful opening partnership and Sharma’s high strike rate proved decisive in the final. The equipment change from Gill ultimately aided Sharma in overcoming his initial run drought and contributing directly to India’s championship victory.