Abhishek Sharma was 16 years young when he made his senior representative debut for Punjab, in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy against Vidarbha in February 2017. By all accounts, it was a successful maiden venture for the left-hander, who followed up two for 51 with his left-arm spin with a fluent 46 that applied the finishing touches to his side’s comfortable six-wicket victory.

At the Feroz Shah Kotla (not the Arun Jaitley Stadium) in the national capital, the precocious teenager provided glimpses of his raw talent. An uncut diamond, he showcased understandable rough edges, but also a composure and maturity way beyond his years. If he kept at it, grew organically, didn’t allow distractions to overwhelm him and committed himself to the sport, a long and successful career seemed destined

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