Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh engaged in some light-hearted banter with his mentee Abhishek Sharma after the young opener's explosive batting display against New Zealand on Sunday. The veteran all-rounder playfully reminded Sharma that he still hasn't managed to break his iconic 12-ball fifty record, despite Sharma's remarkable 14-ball half-century achievement.
Historic Performance in Guwahati
Abhishek Sharma unleashed absolute carnage on the New Zealand bowling attack during the third T20I in Guwahati, helping India secure a comprehensive eight-wicket victory and an unassailable 3-0 series lead. Coming off a duck in his previous outing, the left-handed dynamo completely dismantled the visitors' bowling lineup as they attempted to defend a modest 153-run total.
The 25-year-old opener stormed to his half-century in just 14 deliveries, setting multiple records along the way. His unbeaten 68 runs came off just 20 balls and remarkably didn't contain a single dot ball, making it the highest such score by any batter representing a Full-Member nation in T20I history.
Yuvraj's Legendary Record Stands Firm
Despite Sharma's jaw-dropping performance, he couldn't surpass the 19-year-old record held by his famous mentor. Yuvraj Singh continues to hold the record for the fastest T20I half-century by an Indian batter, achieved during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 when he famously smashed Stuart Broad for six consecutive sixes in an over.
The two-time World Cup winner took to social media platform X to both congratulate and cheekily roast his protege. "Still can't get a 50 off 12 balls, can you? Well played – keep going strong!" Yuvraj wrote in his post, tagging Sharma's official account.
Record-Breaking Partnership and Milestones
Sharma's incredible innings included several significant milestones. He surpassed KL Rahul to become India's second-highest six-hitter among openers in T20Is, trailing only the legendary Rohit Sharma. His 14-ball fifty now stands as the fastest-ever by an Indian opener in the format.
The young batter finished the chase alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav with an unbroken 102-run partnership for the third wicket, showcasing remarkable composure and power-hitting ability. This victory marked India's 11th consecutive home T20I series win, demonstrating their dominance in the shortest format of the game.
Sharma's Humble Response to Mentor's Challenge
When asked about matching Yuvraj's legendary feat during the post-match presentation, Sharma responded with characteristic humility. "That's more than impossible for anyone, but still, you never know," he told the broadcaster. "Any batsman could do it because I think all the batters have been batting really well in this series as well and going forward, it's going to be fun."
The exchange between mentor and mentee highlights the healthy competitive spirit within Indian cricket while paying tribute to one of the game's most iconic moments. Yuvraj's 2007 performance against England remains etched in cricket history, and Sharma's recent exploits suggest he might be the one to eventually challenge that legendary record.
As India continues to dominate the T20I format, the emergence of young talents like Abhishek Sharma under the guidance of veterans like Yuvraj Singh promises an exciting future for Indian cricket. The blend of experience and youthful exuberance appears to be creating a formidable combination that could challenge records and set new benchmarks in the coming years.
