In 2018, when Abhishek Sharma was playing for the India U-19 team and was about to represent the Under-19 team of India in the World Cup, he requested his father to watch him batting live from the stadium.
But his father, Rajkumar Sharma, turning down the request, said that he would only go to the ground if he were able to represent the senior team in the Tests, ODI World Cup, or T20 World Cup.
Abhishek Sharma overcomes the challenge set by his father
Cur to 2026, Abhishek Sharma is with the senior national cricket team, ready to represent the nation against the archrival Pakistan. The son successfully overcomes the challenge set by his father. Now, it is the father’s turn to keep the promise that he made eight years ago.
Rajkumar Sharma will be in the stands of the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15 to support Abhishek Sharma along with his wife, Manju Sharma; daughter, Komal Sharma; and son-in-law, Lovish Oberoi.
While speaking with the Times of India, Rajkumar said that he saw Abhishek Sharma’s IPL and Team India matches on screen, but he never went to any stadium to see him perform live. On February 15, in Colombo, it will be Rajkumar’s first cricket match from the stand.
“I have seen his IPL matches and some India matches, but I have never watched him play a World Cup match from the stands. This is my first time,” Rajkumar said.
Rajkumar refused to travel to New Zealand
Remembering the day when 16-year-old Abhishek Sharma requested his father travel to New Zealand to see his U-19 World Cup games, he instantly turned down his request. Rajkumar wanted to set up a bar, a high bar, for his son so that the young man can dream big. When Abhishek Sharma steps into the field on Sunday against Pakistan for a T20 World Cup match, it will be an emotional moment for the entire Sharma family.
“He wanted us to travel to New Zealand during the U-19 World Cup, but I didn’t go. I challenged him that the day he plays for India in a senior World Cup, ODI, T20I, or Test, I will travel wherever the venue is to watch him play. I did break his heart, but I also gave him a goal in life,” Rajkumar added.
Abhishek Sharma is ready to face Pakistan
For Abhishek Sharma, the initial stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 did not work according to plan, as he sustained a stomach infection, which might have affected his performance against the United States on February 7.
The southpaw returned for a golden duck and then went outside the ground because of the upset stomach accompanied by high fever and weight loss. He traveled to Delhi with them for the Namibia match, but he was unable to play.
According to media reports, after reaching Delhi, his health worsened so badly that he had to be admitted to a hospital. His parents rushed to Delhi to look after their son.
For Team India and the Sharma family, the good news is that Abhishek Sharma is all set to play against Pakistan. Ahead of the match, he performed well in the nets as well.
