Ravichandran Ashwin backed Abhishek Sharma to beat Yuvraj Singh's record for the fastest half-century in T20I cricket. The 25-year-old Indian opener narrowly missed out on breaking the record during the third T20I against New Zealand at the Barabati Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, January 25.
Yuvraj had created history when he slammed a 12-ball half-century against England at Kingsmead, Durban, during the 2007 T20 World Cup. This continues to be the fastest fifty in T20I cricket. On Sunday,
Abhishek brought up his half-century in just 14 balls, which is no mean feat.
After the match, Abhishek said that breaking Yuvraj's record is "almost impossible". Ashwin said that the youngster was being humble, and he has great potential to better the feat.
"Our friend Abhishek Sharma made a statement. He said it will be very difficult to beat Yuvraj Paji's 50 off 12 balls. I am saying, Abhishek, please do not be so humble. In India, people like it when you speak humbly, I agree. But do not be that humble. I am telling you, Abhishek won't say it himself, but whoever beats Yuvraj Paji's record in the near future, it will be Abhishek Sharma," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
He is God's own child: Ashwin on Abhishek
Ashwin heaped praise on Abhishek for his ability to back his instincts and continue his aggressive approach despite wickets falling from the other end. The former India spinner also mentioned how even the mistimed hits are going for sixes thanks to Abhishek's amazing bat swing and power game.
"Abhishek Sharma is batting at an incredible level in the powerplay, making 50 in just 14 balls. The way he is batting, even if wickets are falling, he is hitting long sixes. Yesterday in Guwahati, he smashed a straight six, and after hitting it, he was looking at his bat. I mean, he was looking straight at the bottom of the bat. That shows the ball hit the bottom of the bat, but it still went for a six. The bat swing, the way he is batting, it is just amazing. I mean, this guy is God's own child. I am telling you, what compliment can I even give him? The way he is batting is unbelievable," he added.
