Abhishek Sharma's L celebration a message to Pakistan? Indian opener reveals the secret

Team India opener Abhishek Sharma revealed the reason behind his 'L-gesture' celebration after playing a match-winning knock against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash. The left-handed batter stated that L means love, and his celebratory gesture is for those who love the Indian cricket team.

India defeated Pakistan by six wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 21. The Indian bowlers restricted Pakistan to 171/5 after winning the toss. Suryakumar Yadav’s side chased down the target with seven balls to spare. Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match.

Watch: Abhishek Sharma Celebrates Fifty With His Trademark ‘L’ Gesture

Abhishek Sharma reached his fifty in just 24 balls on the fourth ball of the eighth over during India’s innings. He drove a delivery from Saim Ayub past cover for a boundary. The 25-year-old celebrated with his signature ‘L’ (Love) gesture and a flying kiss toward the stands.

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Sharma recorded the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is against Pakistan. He also became the quickest batter to reach 50 sixes in T20Is, achieving it in only 331 balls.

Sharma went on to finish the innings with 74 runs off just 39 deliveries, including six fours and five sixes. He is currently the leading run-getter in the tournament with 173 runs in four innings at an average of 43.25 and an impressive strike rate of 208.43.

This Celebration Is Dedicated to Them - Abhishek Sharma

In a conversation with captain Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek revealed the reason behind his signature celebration of removing his gloves, rolling up his sleeves, and making a gesture. Abhishek stated that the celebration is dedicated to all the fans supporting India.

"This means love. It's for all our fans, for those who cheer for us and for India. This celebration is dedicated to them. It's for India," Abhishek said in a video posted by BCCI on social media.

Our Coach Has Told Us to Remain Selfless - Team India Opener

The 25-year-old stated that the team's focus is always on what the team needs, whether rotating the strike or building long innings. He also shared an emotional moment, recalling his father watching him bat on screen.

"From the start, our coach has told us to remain selfless. Whether it's rotating strike or playing the long innings, it's always about what the team requires," Abhishek stated.

"When I stood at the crease, I remembered how my father would watch me bat on the screen. That was a special moment," he added.

Abhishek and Shubman Gill gave India a flying start with a 105-run opening stand in under 10 overs. Gill scored 47 runs from 28 balls, including eight boundaries. Team India will next face Bangladesh in their second Super 4s encounter on Wednesday, September 24, in Dubai.

Also read: Abhishek Sharma portrays MS Dhoni more than Yuvraj Singh- Dhoni's teammate