DUBAI: As Indian opener Abhishek Sharma continues his sensational run of form, dominating the Asia Cup with explosive starts, the secret behind his power-hitting ability and remarkable consistency has been revealed: a rigorous, almost monastic daily routine that begins before dawn, combining physical training with spiritual and mental conditioning.
The 25-year-old, who has already amassed over 300 runs in the Asia Cup with a strike rate exceeding 200, follows a unique regimen established by his long-time mentor, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.
The Monastic Morning: 4 AM Wake-Up Call
Abhishek Sharma’s day starts at 4:00 AM, according to his father, Rajkumar Sharma, who recently spoke to the media. The routine is strictly structured to build not just physical strength but also mental fortitude:
- Meditation: He begins the day with a mandatory half-hour meditation session, lasting until sunrise, to enhance concentration.
- Cold Water Swim: This is followed by a challenging 45-minute to one-hour swim in cold water, aimed at improving physical endurance and mental discipline.
- Gym Session: Only after completing his swimming is he allowed to head to the gym for strength and conditioning work.
- On-Field Training: By 7:00 AM, Sharma is at the ground, ready for net practice.
”By the time he was facing bowlers, his concentration level was so high that he started picking lengths cleanly,” Rajkumar Sharma stated, emphasizing how the early morning regimen primes him mentally for the day’s cricket.
Yuvraj’s Timetable and Lara’s Golf Advice
Abhishek’s career has been heavily influenced by Yuvraj Singh, who gave the young player a fixed timetable to follow during the COVID-19 lockdown, a regimen he continues to adhere to. Yuvraj’s guiding principle has always been for Abhishek to “play according to the situation of the game” and, crucially, to “back your hitting zones, don’t manufacture shots.”
However, a surprising element in his training was introduced by West Indies legend and Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor, Brian Lara. It was Lara who convinced the destructive opener to take up golf.
”Lara had told him that playing golf would help him concentrate better and would also be helpful in picking lengths,” Sharma senior revealed. Yuvraj Singh later ensured Abhishek continued the practice, recognizing its unique benefits for his batting.
The consistent golf practice is credited with improving the crucial kinetic chain in his body, perfecting his bat swing, and sharpening his ability to quickly judge the line and length of the ball—a key element in his success as a six-hitter.
Destroyer in Chief: Record-Breaking Performance
The disciplined routine has translated directly into phenomenal results. After a breakout IPL 2024 season where he scored 484 runs at a strike rate of 204.22, Sharma has carried that momentum into the Asia Cup.
- He is the tournament’s standout batter, with 309 runs at a fiery strike rate of 204.63, including a blistering 74 against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super 4 stage.
- He is currently on the verge of breaking multiple T20I records, including surpassing Virat Kohli for the most runs by an Indian in a multi-nation T20 tournament.
His ability to hit sixes on the rise and maintain a fearless approach, honed by facing 150 kph deliveries during his Under-16 days under his father’s guidance, is now backed by an unmatched level of mental and physical preparedness. As India heads into the final, Abhishek Sharma’s unique path to success serves as a compelling blueprint for modern cricket fitness.
