In the vibrant tapestry of international cricket, where every match is an opportunity for players to leave their mark, Abhishek Sharma did more than just score runs in the 5th T20I between India and England in 2025; he left an indelible impression with his celebration.
As the dust settled on India’s colossal score of 247, it was Sharma’s century, not just in runs but in spirit, that captured the hearts of fans around the world.
His celebration, an ‘L’ gesture, was not just a moment of triumph but a symbol of love, both for the game and for those who believed in him.
“Whenever I scored a fifty, I celebrated in this fashion. I really like it, this is love,” Sharma shared with an earnestness that resonated with everyone.
Meaning Of Abhishek Sharma’s Celebration
His explanation of the ‘L’ for love was not just about the celebration itself but a reflection on his journey in cricket.
Before this series, Sharma had not even crossed the 30-run mark in an innings on Indian soil, a fact that made his performance against England all the more remarkable.
“Before this series, I hadn’t even scored a 30-run knock in India. I used to think and manifest about how I would celebrate when I scored a hundred. But when it happened, I was totally blank. All the emotions were very natural,” he confessed, highlighting the spontaneity and genuine emotion behind his actions.
This series against England was a turning point for Sharma, not just in terms of his scores but in how he perceived his role and potential within the team.
His century in the 5th T20I was not just about the numbers; it was a testament to his growth, both as a player and as an individual. Scoring 135 runs off just 54 balls, Sharma didn’t just break records; he redefined them.
This was his second T20I century, a feat achieved in a breathtaking 37 balls, making it the second-fastest T20I ton by an Indian batter.
His innings was the highest individual score for an Indian in T20Is, surpassing even the likes of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
The credit for this monumental performance, according to Sharma, goes not just to his skill but to the unwavering support from his teammates and coaches.
“They have more trust in me than I have in myself,” he said, speaking about Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav. In a sport where self-doubt can often overshadow talent, the faith of his peers was a beacon of confidence for Sharma.
“I know he (Rohit Sharma) holds the record. I feel that on my day if the first ball is there to hit, I will hit. Luckily, it was my day today. The way Surya paaji and Gauti paaji have supported me, I think they have more trust in me than I have in myself. It gave me a lot of motivation,”
he acknowledged, highlighting the importance of team dynamics and the psychological boost it provides.
The match itself was a spectacle, with India amassing 247 runs, a testament to the team’s aggressive batting and Sharma’s pivotal role in it.
His innings was not just about personal glory but about setting a stage for a comprehensive team victory, which they achieved by a margin of 150 runs.
This score, while showcasing India’s batting might, also underscored Sharma’s emergence as a force to be reckoned with in the shortest format of the game.
Sharma’s celebration, the ‘L’ for love, transcended the boundary of the cricket field.
It was a moment where sport met emotion, where a young cricketer from India shared a piece of his heart with the world.
It was a celebration of achievement, yes, but also one of gratitude towards those who believed in him, towards the sport that gave him this platform, and towards the fans who cheered every run he scored.
As cricket enthusiasts and analysts dissect the game, they’ll talk about the scores, the strategies, and the records.
But at the heart of it all will be the story of a young man who, in the heat of the moment, chose to express love rather than arrogance, humility rather than hubris.
Abhishek Sharma’s ‘L’ celebration will be remembered not just for what it symbolized in that match but for what it represents in the broader context of sportsmanship and personal journey in cricket.
