Abhishek Sharma powers India to Asian Games gold, father hails 61-run knock on tough Japan pitch

Chandigarh, Oct 3 (UNI) Indian all-rounder Abhishek Sharma's father and coach Rajkumar Sharma hailed his son's match-winning 61 off 28 balls after India clinched the Asian Games cricket gold, saying the innings carried added significance because it came in difficult batting conditions in Japan.

Celebrations broke out in the family after India secured the title, with Rajkumar congratulating the players, coaching staff and the BCCI for the campaign. "It is a very proud and happy day for the entire country. The players worked together as a team and made sure the Indian flag flew high with a gold medal," Rajkumar said. He said the triumph was especially special because India also won gold in the women's competition.

"First our daughters won the gold, and now our boys have repeated that achievement. It is a proud moment for every Indian," he said. Rajkumar singled out Abhishek's aggressive innings, saying the left-hander's 61 from 28 deliveries provided the momentum India needed to push its total beyond the 200-run mark. He said conditions in Japan had posed a challenge to batters throughout the competition and required players to adapt quickly.

"The pitches in Japan were not easy for batting. Making runs in those conditions required maturity and confidence," Rajkumar said. "As a father and as a coach, I am proud that Abhishek stood up in an important match and contributed to the team's victory." Rajkumar also praised Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube for their batting contributions and said India's bowlers ensured the opposition remained under pressure.

"This was not the victory of one player. The batsmen did their job, and the bowlers maintained the pressure. The coordination within the team was excellent," he said. He credited V.V.S. Laxman and the support staff for guiding a relatively young group of players through the tournament, saying their preparation and management had helped the side perform under pressure. Rajkumar said the players were expected to return to India on October 5 before shifting their attention to the next assignment against West Indies.

"The schedule is busy, and the next challenge will come quickly," he said. "I hope Abhishek maintains this rhythm and continues to perform for the country."

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