World Cup T20: Salman Ali Agha press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan
“I have seen his IPL matches and some India matches, but I have never seen him play a World Cup match from the stands. This is the first time I have,” an emotional Rajkumar Sharma told TimesofIndia.com.“He wanted us to travel to New Zealand during the U19 World Cup, but I didn’t go there. I challenged him that the day he plays for India in the senior World Cup, ODIs or T20Is or Tests, I will go anywhere to see him play. I broke his heart but I also gave him the goal of a lifetime,” Sharma senior said.The world’s leading T20I batsman did not have an ideal start to the tournament. He played with a stomach infection against USA in Mumbai. Although his innings lasted just one ball, his condition worsened. He had a high fever when the team landed in Delhi for the match in Namibia. It became so serious that the southpaw had to be admitted to the hospital overnight. The disease also caused drastic weight loss.His family rushed to Delhi to be with him. After seeing his son lying in a hospital bed, Rajkumar Sharma decided to cancel his tickets to Colombo, but Abhishek assured him that he would be fit for the February 15 match against Pakistan.“That was the prayer of millions of people, how come he didn’t fit in?” said Rajkumar Sharma. (With millions of people praying for him, how could he not be fit?)Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha is also an admirer of the Indian batsman, who saw Abhishek’s onslaught at close range during the Asia Cup in Dubai.“We all know he is a good player and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have. I really hope he recovers well and can play tomorrow,” Agha told reporters at the R Premadasa Stadium on the eve of the much-anticipated match against India.Abhishek’s father said he was grateful that his son was admired not only in his own team but also in the opposition camp.India captain Suryakumar Yadav also hinted at Abhishek’s return during the press conference.“If he wants to play, then we will play him tomorrow. Done. If the captain of the opposing team says it will be good if Abhishek Sharma plays, then we will play him. No problem,” said Surya.Abhishek Sharma, who returned from hospital bed, batted for an hour in the nets. His proceedings were divided into two parts. In one net, he faced fast bowlers, mostly net bowlers. He took on the spinners in the second stint. There were a few hits and misses, but the sound of the bat was a clear sign that the Amritsar marauder was back, with plenty of critics to silence, including former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir.“He’s a slogger. That’s how I see him. A player who can’t judge the line and defend the ball, can I call him a proper batsman? He comes in and swings hard and it suits him well right now,” Amir said on the Haarna Mana Hai show.“But the day they learn to handle hard lines and defend properly, I will change my mind. You are playing on small pitches and flat wickets. You have not been tested properly,” added Amir.“Have him tour South Africa, New Zealand and England where the ball is moving. That’s where the real test will be. If he succeeds there, I’ll be the first to call him a proper batsman,” he said.Since his debut in July 2024, Abhishek Sharma has become one of the most devastating batsmen in world cricket. In 39 T20Is, the left-hander scored 1,297 runs at a staggering strike rate of 194.45, with two centuries and eight fifties, while maintaining a strong average of 36.02.Although his father admits that watching his son burn raises his blood pressure.“I told him so many times, ‘Kaake single bhi le’ (take singles too). I’ve given up now. But I sincerely hope he stays at the crease for longer. Right now he’s helping the team get off to furious starts, but if he controls his temptation a bit and bats within 15 overs, he can finish the matches quickly. But he told him so much that I complained.As Abhishek Sharma prepares to walk out under the Colombo lights, this moment holds more than just runs and records. It’s the culmination of a teenager’s promise, the faith of millions who prayed for his recovery, and the quiet pride of a father who finally watched from the stands. Whatever happens on the pitch, this World Cup night is already one of the most personal chapters of Abhishek’s journey.