“For the first time, someone read the googly” – Former India cricketer recalls interesting Abhishek Sharma story amid NZ vs IND 2026 series

Former India cricketer Rahul Sharma praised star opener Abhishek Sharma for his blistering knock in the third T20I against New Zealand. The left-hander smashed a terrific hundred as India won the game and sealed the series.

Rahul Sharma recalled having witnessed Abhishek Sharma’s career from close quarters since his early days. He narrated an incident that left him surprised and in awe of the batter’s ability. It was during a domestic match when Abhishek picked Rahul’s googly and hit for a boundary over covers at the age of 14.

“I have been seeing Abhishek for the last ten years. I had heard that two players were coming from Punjab – Shubman and Abhishek. They had done well in U-14. I had played against Abhishek in a domestic game. For the first time, someone read the googly and hit me for a four over covers. He was just 14 then. I was very surprised,” he said. (via ‘Ash ki Baat‘)

Rahul also credited the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) for backing and developing Abhishek even when his performances were not as great. The spinner recalled his conversation with the batter about how his teammate Shubman Gill had made it to the Indian team, but Abhishek was still left behind, motivating him to work harder.

“Credit goes to PCA as well. He was backed a lot. This change came after COVID. Before that, the performances were not as much. As a senior, I also told him to take time at the start, but he would always play in one gear. I always used to tell him you are made for a higher level. Shubman is already playing for India, but you are still not there. Now his shot selection has become a lot better.”

Abhishek Sharma eventually made his international debut in 2024 and has established himself among the most dangerous T20I openers. At present, he is an integral and crucial part of India’s T20I setup.

India legend’s massive praise for Abhishek Sharma

In the same video, India legend Ravichandran Ashwin also heaped massive praise on Abhishek Sharma. He lauded the opener for changing and redefining batting in the T20 format.

“Abhishek Sharma is someone who has changed the batting template. He has shaken the system. No opener has played with this strike rate before. He has no fear of losing his wicket. That is appreciable. He is not playing to save his spot. He has changed the template. If someone bats like this and with such intent, the bowlers are going to be scared,” he said.

So far in the series, Abhishek has scored 169 runs from three matches at an average of 56.33 and a strike rate of 238.02, including the 38-ball 113 he scored in the third T20I.

Edited by Rishab Vm