The Focus is Now on Making it to Senior Teams: Abhishek Sharma
Updated - 10 Jun 2018, 07:44 PM
The all-rounder from Punjab, Abhishek Sharma, who played a vital role in India’s Under-19 title triumph in the ICC’s Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand in February, is aiming for a smooth transition to the seniors.
Meanwhile, he returned with six wickets and an economy of 3.91 apart from a crucial 50 against Bangladesh in the quarter-final in New Zealand.
Moreover, Sharma also made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Delhi Daredevils (DD) in May.
Sharma is also confident for a strong start in this domestic season and is expected to do well for the team.
“It is like starting a new journey. I have played most of my cricket at national and international level at the U-16 and U-19 level, and now the focus will be on making it to the senior teams. Winning the U-19 World Cup was like a dream for all of us,” Sharma said to Chandigarh Newsline.
“I made my debut for Punjab in Ranji Trophy against Himachal Pradesh last year, where I scored 94 runs apart from a fifty in the tournament and senior players like Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh motivated me. I missed out on a century in Ranji Trophy last year. Now, I will make sure that I start this season strongly and do well for the team,” he added.
The learning experience in the IPL
Daredevils roped the young all-rounder for INR 55 lakh this year. He further smashed a whirlwind knock of 46 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in his debut match.
Sharma counts his IPL experience as an enriching one.
“Even though I had to wait to get my chance in IPL, it was a learning experience for me playing for Delhi Daredevils. My focus was to play positively and play my shots even if I get dismissed on the first ball. Our coach Ricky Ponting too told us the same and to spend time with a player like him is a big thing for a youngster like me. The first innings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was a special one and it gave me confidence. Playing in three matches did not give me much opportunity with the ball but I hope next year, I can excel with the ball too” he added.
In conclusion, Abhishek Sharma admitted he was a bit sad about missing out on India A squad for the England tour.
However, the promising batsman wants to take it on his strides and do better in the future.
