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Abhishek Sharma broke the record for the highest ever individual score by an Indian batter in T20Is recently.
Abhishek Sharma struck seven fours and 13 sixes during his innings. (BCCI Photo)
Abhishek Sharma has shed some light over his celebration after having reached a half-century during the fifth T20I between India and England in Mumbai. Abhishek went on to convert the fifty into a memorable hundred – the second-fastest in the format for India after Rohit Sharma.
Abhishek raises his right hand and makes an ‘L’ symbol while facing towards the stands.
“I’ve celebrated like this whenever I’ve scored fifty. I love it. This (the gesture) is (for) Love,” the 24-year-old told BCCI.tv.
The top-order produced a record-breaking show at the Wankhede Stadium as he unleashed carnage to score 135 off 54 – the highest ever individual T20I score for an Indian batter.
“Before this series, I hadn’t even scored 30 in India. I used to manifest how I’ll celebrate If I score a century but when I did, my mind went blank. Everything was pure emotion,” Abhishek said.
“If it’s my day, I start hitting from the first ball itself. Luckily it was day, and I am very grateful,” he added.
Abhishek reiterated that the confidence shown in him by India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir has played a significant role in his performances.
“The way Surya paji and Gauti paji have supported me. They have more trust in me than I’ve in myself. Captain and coach have asked us to maintain aggressive intent which I like. I am sure you will see more youngsters playing this kind of an innings given the support we get,” he said.
Abhishek’s terrific show at the top of the order propelled India to a massive total of 247/9 in 20 overs in front of a packed stadium. In reply, England innings folded in quick time as they mustered 97-all out in 10.3 overs with India storming to a massive 150-run win to win the five-match series 4-1.
For his record show, Abhishek won player-of-the-match award.
