# Abhishek Sharma smashes fastest Indian T20I century, 30 balls

2026-09-18T11:51:32+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Abhishek Sharma scored a 30-ball century, the fastest by an Indian in men's T20Is, as India beat Afghanistan by 127 runs in the third T20I in Delhi on Thursday, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Abhishek hit 108 off 34 balls with 11 sixes. Afghanistan was bowled out for 94. The Times of India reported that before the match, Abhishek gave a passionate pep talk in Punjabi, urging teammates to play like 'soormas' or warriors. Rediff.com reported that Abhishek credited mentor Yuvraj Singh for advice not to force every ball. Yuvraj had texted him to take singles in between. Separately, Rediff also reported that head coach Gautam Gambhir said India's next T20 target should be 300 runs, given the team's talent. News18's ABP Live reported that former Pakistan cricketer Tanvir Ahmed said he considers Abhishek a bigger talent than Yuvraj Singh, citing his power-hitting with the new ball. Ahmed clarified the comparison was based on talent, not to diminish Yuvraj's achievements.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The coverage splits into straight match reporting and a celebrity comparison angle. Times of India, Rediff, and the PTI wire (via Rediff) stay factual: match details, Abhishek's speech, Yuvraj's advice, Gambhir's target. ABP Live leads with Tanvir Ahmed's claim that Abhishek has more talent than Yuvraj, a dramatic framing that risks overstating a young player's career next to a proven legend. The more measured sources show Abhishek's potential without the hyperbole. The key figure to watch is whether Abhishek sustains this form across formats.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-afghanistan/subah-jalandhar-shaam-nu-dilli-abhishek-sharmas-fiery-punjabi-pep-talk-before-30-ball-century-goes-viral-watch/articleshow/134332850.cms>
  Straight match report with BCCI video of pre-match speech.
- rediff.com (neutral report) <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/what-yuvraj-told-abhishek-before-record-ton/20260918.htm>
  PTI wire copy on Gambhir's 300-run target.
- rediff.com (neutral report) <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/india-vs-afghanistan-3rd-t20-300-in-20-overs-coach-gambhirs-next-target-for-team-india/20260918.htm>
  PTI wire copy on Gambhir's 300-run target.
- news.abplive.com (sensationalist) <https://news.abplive.com/sports/cricket/abhishek-sharma-bigger-than-yuvraj-singh-former-pakistan-cricketer-makes-bold-assessment-1867291>
  Leads with former Pakistan cricketer's bold comparison.

Tags: Abhishek Sharma, Afghanistan cricket team, Gautam Gambhir, India cricket team, Yuvraj Singh
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