What was Abhishek's reward after the match? A standing ovation from a capacity Eden Gardens aside, praise from his mentor Yuvraj, albeit in a cheeky way.

Abhihsek Sharma(Source: DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images) looked in sensational form in India's seven-wicket win in their first T20I of the five-match series against England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Check out what Abhishek Sharma gets a cheeky tap from Yuvraj Singh after smashing 8 sixes in 20-ball fifty against England. Read more on

The parallels between Abhishek’s performance and Yuvraj Singh’s legendary feats weren’t lost on fans or the cricketing fraternity.

Yuvraj Singh playfully lauded Abhishek Sharma for his scintillating knock against England, blending wit with praise, as the young opener's 79-run innings powered India to a commanding seven-wicket victory in the T20I series opener in Kolkata.

Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has praised Abhishek Sharma for his phenomenal performance in the first T20I against England. Sharma scored a stunning 79 runs off just 34 balls in the match, played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning performance in the first T20I against England on January 22, 2025. The chase was a cakewalk for India, thanks to Abhishek's 79 off 34 balls with a strike rate of 232.

India opener Abhishek Sharma was in blitzkrieg mode on Wednesday at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata as he smashed a whirlwind knock of 79 runs off just 34 balls to help the hosts beat England by eight wickets in the opening game of the five-match series.

Abhishek Sharma led an outstanding effort and hit India's second-fastest fifty (in terms of balls faced) against England in the Twenty20 International format at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.The love affair between Indian left-handers and English bowlers in the Twenty20 International format gained notoriety thanks to Yuvraj Singh's performances during the 2007 T20 World Cup.

Abhishek Sharma destroyed the England bowling attack with a sensational fifty against England in the first T20I of the 5-match series. Abhishek hit his fifty in just 20 balls, which was second fastest by an Indian player in the format.

Throughout the entirety of Indian teams playing Y20I matches, there have been a lot of players who have made big numbers for the team. Here is a list of players who have the fastest fifties for India.