Knew that the first call-up would be very special: Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma set the stage on fire with a stellar Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 that saw him break several records. The left-hander amassed 484 runs, forging a sizzling partnership with Travis Head at the top of the order for Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

The duo broke the league with some breathtaking batting efforts that saw the Men in Orange go past the 250-run mark thrice. Not just that, the left-hander had the best strike rate in the entire competition (min 150 balls), striking at 204.2 while notching up three 50s for himself. 

Also Read: Abhishek Sharma, India's prototype of Travis Head

While he wasn’t used overly with the ball, the left-arm spinner also grabbed two wickets, including that of Sanju Samson in the all-important Qualifier 1 in Chennai. All of that culminated in the all-rounder earning a maiden call-up to the national side. 

In a video posted by BCCI, Abhishek revealed that it was always his dream to don the Indian blue, and added that Shubman Gill, India’s captain on the Zimbabwe tour, was the first to call him up. 

"I just had one dream from Day 1 of professional cricket - I have to play for India. [I knew] the first call-up would be very special. That's where my journey would start. I knew if I kept working hard, I'd get my chance. But I didn't know it'll be in Zimbabwe or outside India," Abhishek told BCCI.TV. 

"Shubman was the first to call me as soon as my name came out. I got a lot of calls and love. It was a big thing for me. When I went home I saw that everyone was already giving interviews! I hadn't even come into the picture and all my family members were giving interviews (laughs). I think that was one moment I'll always remember," Abhishek added. 

It wasn’t just Abhishek; a lot of up-and-coming players were rewarded for their hard work at the 2024 IPL with the Indian cap. Two of the others on the list were Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande. 

Also Read: Riyan Parag is ready — but is the rest of the world?

While Parag’s pyrotechnics certainly rescued Rajasthan Royals on a number of occasions, Deshpande was truly Chennai Super Kings’ best bowler in the entire competition. 

Batting at No.4, Parag broke an IPL lull with 573 runs, averaging 52 while still striking at nearly 150. 

"The feel of donning India jersey, travelling with the side is different. Coming from Assam, I had this dream of playing for India. Really happy. There will be a special connection for Zimbabwe when I play my first match,” Parag said. 

"That will be a special moment for that ground and myself, which would be very sacred," he added.

Meanwhile, Deshpande, who was trolled incessantly last year made the biggest mark for the five-time IPL winners. The Mumbaikar finished the competition with 17 wickets, averaging 24.94, picking up important scalps for his side. 

"Slowly sinking in and it's like a dream come true for me. Playing for the country is a very special thing,” Deshpande reflected in the video posted by BCCI. 

"Travelling with the team is the most important and getting to know them, knowing the atmosphere of the team and most important for me is the fun we have during travel," added Deshpande.

India will kick off their series against Zimbabwe on July 6 (Saturday) in a five-match T20I series.

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