Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind young batting sensation Abhishek Sharma, predicting he will eventually break Yuvraj Singh’s iconic record for the fastest half-century in T20 International cricket.
Yuvraj Singh currently holds the record among full ICC member nations with a breathtaking 12-ball fifty against England during the 2007 T20 World Cup—a moment etched in cricket history when he smashed six consecutive sixes off Stuart Broad.
Abhishek’s Near-Miss Performance
On Sunday, Abhishek came tantalizingly close to matching his mentor’s feat, reaching his half-century in just 14 balls during the third T20I against New Zealand in Guwahati. His explosive innings helped India chase down 154 runs in merely 10 overs, securing an eight-wicket victory and clinching the five-match T20I series.
Despite the spectacular knock, Abhishek modestly stated that breaking Yuvraj’s record is “almost impossible.” However, Ashwin believes the 25-year-old southpaw is simply being humble.
“God’s Own Child”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed full confidence in Abhishek’s ability to surpass the legendary mark. “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,” Ashwin said.
“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,” he added.
The veteran off-spinner was particularly impressed by Abhishek’s bat speed and power. Recalling a specific moment from the Guwahati match, Ashwin described how Abhishek hit a massive straight six despite the ball making contact with the bottom of his bat.
“Abhishek Sharma is batting at an incredible level in the powerplay, making 50 in just 14 balls. Yesterday in Guwahati, he smashed a straight six, and after hitting it, he was looking at his bat. The ball hit the bottom of the bat, but it still went for a six,” Ashwin explained.
“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.
India’s Dominant Victory
Abhishek’s fifty, combined with captain Suryakumar Yadav’s blistering 57 off 26 balls, powered India to one of their most dominant victories in recent times. The team completed the chase with 10 overs to spare, demonstrating ruthless efficiency against a top-quality New Zealand side.
The cheapest over bowled by New Zealand in the innings conceded 11 runs—a statistic that occurred twice during India’s onslaught. After Sanju Samson’s first-ball dismissal, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek, and Suryakumar Yadav unleashed a batting masterclass that left the Kiwi bowlers with no answers.
With the series already sealed, all eyes will be on Abhishek Sharma in the remaining matches to see if he can inch closer to—or perhaps break—the record that has stood for nearly two decades.
