Boria Majumdar in Dubai
Abhishek Sharma is the player of the tournament and has literally taken the Asia Cup by storm, and made statement after statement. That he is playing fearless cricket is known. That he is a wonderfully skilful and talented player is also known. But what the innings against Bangladesh brought to light was his mental fortitude and his decisiveness. That there is a method to his madness, and that each step is well measured and well crafted.
Bangladesh started well and Abhishek did not attempt a first-ball six like he did against Shaheen Shah Afridi. In the first two overs the Indians did not race away and there was a half chance given. Bangladesh were bowling well and Abhishek was prepared to wait. He was prepared to respect the sport and not be cocky. Not force his way and take an unwanted risk. He was decisive. Playing a few balls for a-run-a-ball was a part of his method. And that’s what stood out. His ego was never the story. His humility was. The performer’s ego was never allowed to take centre stage and that’s what explains the sublime innings that he played.
Once he had a measure of the bowling and had sussed the conditions out, he was on the prowl. And thereafter, he did not stop. By then, Bangladesh had no answers and Abhishek had taken control. That’s the best part about him. His timing is perfect. Not just of his shots but also of the moment in the game when he seizes control. That’s what separates Abhishek from the rest in this tournament and all of India will hope he continues in the same vein till Sunday.
His hitting is clean. His thoughts are cleaner. He is winning the game not just with skill but also in the mind. And once you take over the bowlers’ mind and start to dictate terms, there is no beating a player in elite high performance sport. Had Abhishek not been run-out, the hundred was there for the taking. But then it did not really matter. The job was done and the match won.
One final thing will help understand the Abhishek Sharma story. During practice the previous evening, he was seen taking many high catches. He had dropped one against Pakistan and it was a special drill. Against Bangladesh, he was on song and despite many catches going down around him, his decisiveness was never in doubt. In fact, it was as important for him and that’s what has stood out so far in the Asia Cup.
Abhishek is playing beyond his years and showing temperament and maturity of a very different order. As long as he continues to respect the sport and doesn’t let his ego take over, there is no stopping him. With this level of skillset, this man could well be the toast of Indian cricket in the next few months. With a World Cup at home in less than six months’ time, Abhishek could well be the enforcer who sets it all up for India.
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