Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag have known each other since their Under-19 days. They are colleagues from the Indian team that won the 2018 U19 World Cup. Observe the fast forward of six years ahead; they made their senior international debuts for the India men’s T20I team, with everything occurring on the same trip to Zimbabwe. This was a very special thing for both of them, as making the same senior team together had been their dream during their playtime.
India won the series against Zimbabwe, 4-1, comprehensively. In the fifth and last T20I match, India maintained good winning momentum, winning the game by 42 runs, thereby sealing their win of this series. This win brought great cheer and pride to the team. Abhishek Sharma spoke to the broadcasters about his experiences and what had been running through his mind at the end of the match.
Embracing the Moment of Debut Together
Abhishek Sharma revealed how fantastic it was to debut with Riyan Parag. When both were playing in the Indian Premier League, they would discuss getting their India caps together. He said it was an incredible feeling when it came.
This debut captured the hearts of both. Even Riyan Parag showed his delight over the debut, saying that it had been great to play together with Abhishek again after so many years. He recalled the moments when both of them opened their debut jerseys in Abhishek’s room; thus, that was a real moment. Playing together after six years was a delightful moment for them.
Abhishek Sharma contributed a lot to the series with both the bat and the ball. The 19-year-old cricketer played a 47-ball hundred and picked up multiple wickets with his left-arm spin. Feeling grateful to coaches and teammate Shubman Gill for believing in his talent and encouraging him throughout the series.
Both Abhishek and Riyan look forward to a long future in the Indian team. Their rise from teammates in the Under-19 setup to seniors was nothing short of a fairytale, of just how much hard work and dedication has gone into their game. Sharma mentioned:
Never even dreamt that we could get into the side and make our debuts together. We talked about this in the IPL, dreaming about getting our caps together. Really, really amazing that it’s actually happening. Riyan was equally thrilled. It feels great. After the first game, everybody woke up, and we were much better after that. I am proud of the team and enjoyed every moment. Special memories. We opened our jerseys together. It is something really special.
Abhishek Sharma Milestones from the Debut Series
Riyan revealed that he and Abhishek Sharma opened their debut jerseys in Abhishek’s room. He opened his first, and then I did. He said that he and Abhishek used to play the 2018 World Cup together, then didn’t play together for six years, and then doing it again with him was very special.
In the series, Abhishek Sharma marked a big milestone by hitting the first ton for them in 47 balls. He also bowled left-arm spin and helped pick up some wickets.
Special thanks to Shubman Gill and the coaches for giving me confidence and believing in my bowling even after the first two games, where I did not bowl well.
I am just trying to work hard on my bowling, and so far, so good, with the support of the management. Abhishek spoke of the support of his mentor, Yuvraj Singh.
He added:
It’s always special when you play Pakistan, especially in a final. Congratulations to my mentor, Yuvraj Singh.
Riyan played a vital role in the fourth-wicket partnership when he joined his skipper: Sanju Samson and Riyan put on 65 runs off 56 balls. Riyan enjoyed playing under Shubman Gill’s leadership.
Parag said:
It has been fun. We have played together in age group cricket, under-16. He has always been like a captain, even when he wasn’t the official captain. He is special on the field.
The series against Zimbabwe was special for both players. Other than the fact that it marked a great milestone in the initiation of their senior career together, their dispersed performances and the team’s success were simply memorable.
Abhishek Sharma and Riyan feel very optimistic about the Indian team’s chances in the future. They felt humbled in heaps by the continuous support provided by their teammates and coaches. The journey from the U-19 World Cup to finding a place in the senior team will be an inspiration of sheer hard work and inbuilt friendship.
