Abhishek Sharma's Stellar Final Innings & The Story Behind His Bat

Abhishek Sharma delivered a spectacular performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, smashing 52 runs off just 21 balls. His half-century, achieved in a mere 18 deliveries, marked the fastest in this year's tournament. Following the match, Sharma disclosed an interesting detail about his record-breaking knock: he played with Shivam Dube’s bat.

"I used Shivam Dube's bat, so my thanks go to Dube," Sharma stated. "That morning, I had a feeling I should try something new. Shubman (Gill) wasn't available, so I approached Dube and selected his bat."

Sharma also reflected on a challenging period he had faced leading up to the final, despite his earlier strong form. He highlighted the unwavering support of his teammates.

"I’ve been navigating a difficult patch for about a month, after enjoying a fantastic run for roughly a year and a half," he explained. "In such situations, the people you surround yourself with matter immensely. When those around you genuinely want to see you improve, it makes a significant impact. Even when I wasn't performing well with the bat, everyone in the team maintained their faith in me. They consistently told me, 'He will succeed.' I never once doubted my teammates, coaches, or the support staff."

"My only question was why things weren't clicking for me personally. I strongly believe that your environment plays a crucial role. The people around you should be a source of motivation. Everyone experiences tough times in life, not just in cricket. During those moments, the company you keep becomes critically important."

The all-rounder from Punjab concluded by stressing the importance of self-belief. "The primary thing is to trust yourself, no matter how difficult the phase may be. When you start to doubt yourself, it creates pressure, which prevents you from playing your natural game and ultimately doesn't benefit the team. Self-confidence, diligent effort, and helping others are vital. When you extend help to others, it invariably comes back to you."