Abhishek Sharma unmasks Shubman Gill’s untold mischievous side
In a candid conversation, Abhishek Sharma recently revealed a lesser-known side of his long-time friend and teammate Shubman Gill — the mischief maker from their under-16 days. While Gill is often admired for his poise and batting elegance, Sharma’s story suggests a cheeky childhood streak hidden behind that calm face. Below is a deeper look into this reveal, what it tells us about both cricketers, and how their bond has evolved over the years.
From childhood partners to international teammates
Roots in Punjab and early camaraderie
Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill hail from Punjab, and their cricketing journeys have often intertwined. They played together in age-group cricket (U14, U16), representing Punjab in various state and regional tournaments. Over time, their friendship evolved into a strong on-field partnership, with both eventually opening for India in T20Is and forging a close off-field bond.
Rise of Abhishek Sharma
While Gill’s early promise is well documented, Abhishek Sharma carved his share of recognition more recently. He made his T20I debut in July 2024 against Zimbabwe, and has since posted some stellar numbers. In the 2025 Asia Cup, he emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer, amassing 314 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate approaching 200. That performance cemented his place as a dangerous, explosive batter at the international level. Given the closeness they’ve shared since youth, it’s perhaps only natural that Sharma would have fun stories tucked away from their early cricketing days — and the one he recently revealed is delightfully revealing.
The Dharamsala bus incident: mischief, music, and innocence
Setting the scene: U-16 in Dharamsala
According to Abhishek Sharma, the incident took place during an under-16 tournament in Dharamsala. The hotel where their team stayed was about 500 meters from the stadium, and they traveled by bus daily. One day, the bus driver refused to play Punjabi songs, prompting an argument from some of the players. The loudest protest, Sharma says, came from Gill himself.
The mischief and its fallout
The argument escalated — coaches got wind of it, and bus drivers lodged complaints. To find who was responsible, all involved players (about four or five) were lined up, and the drivers were asked to identify the miscreants. Shockingly, when the coach pointed to Gill, the drivers denied it was him. Instead, four others were singled out, made to sign a warning letter, and faced potential disciplinary action. Abhishek Sharma expressed his disbelief — “how come the one who started it was not called out?” he reportedly asked. The key, he says, was Gill’s ability to transform his expression. Gill “has a talent to change expressions,” and on that day he turned on an innocent, “bechara” face, which apparently worked. The others were penalized; he walked away unscathed.
What this anecdote reveals — beyond mere mischief
Gill’s ability to manage perception
This story offers a fascinating glimpse into Gill’s early instincts — the ability to manage not just his game, but how he’s perceived. Even as a teenager, he may have had a knack for turning situations in his favour through expression and timing. That trait might have contributed to his composed demeanour later in his career.
Sharma’s trust and admiration
By sharing this story publicly, Abhishek Sharma isn’t just hunting for clicks. He’s offering fans a window into a side of Gill that only someone close would know. It also hints at the trust and affection Sharma has for his teammate — he’s comfortable recalling harmless mischief, rather than hiding it.
The human side of elite cricketers
We often see cricketers as disciplined, serious, and focused. Stories like these remind us of the youthful quirks behind the professional facade — the teasing, the pranks, the banter. It humanizes stars like Gill and Abhishek Sharma, making their achievements more relatable.
Their evolving bond: competition, support & shared history
Friendly tussle over match bat
Beyond this Dharamsala tale, the pair have other youthful moments in their shared history. In one anecdote, Shubman Gill recounted a minor fight in their under-16 days: Abhishek Sharma had used Gill’s match bat while he was batting in the 80s or 90s. Gill asked for it back, a small clash ensued, but ultimately Gill always lent it when asked. That kind of trust — even after a squabble — shows how their relationship matured.
“Shaant” and “Shaitaan” — contrasting cores
Media commentary has often referred to Gill as “shaant” (calm) and Abhishek Sharma as “shaitaan” (mischievous) — a playful dichotomy. These labels capture the subtler shades of their personalities: Gill’s composed approach under stress, Sharma’s more spirited and expressive manner. But in reality, both have layered personalities that transcend stereotype.
On-field chemistry
Fast forward to today, and the two share the Indian opening slot in T20Is. Their long shared history helps in understanding each other’s game, temperament, and mindset. The trust built over years in age-group cricket may help them execute better in pressure moments. Their synergy was evident in the 2025 Asia Cup, where Sharma led the charts and Gill contributed crucial starts.
Lessons from the story — for fans and young cricketers
1. Talent goes beyond technical skill
Gill’s youthful mischief and the way he navigated it hint that success in cricket (or life) often requires soft skills: body language, emotional control, perception. Talent is not just about batting or bowling — it includes how you present yourself under scrutiny.
2. Bonds built in youth last
The anecdote underscores how formative years shape relationships. Teammates who laugh, argue, and grow together tend to forge deeper chemistry that later helps under pressure.
3. Celebrate quirks, not just achievements
Fans mostly see centuries, catches, records. Stories like these invite us to appreciate the quirks and personality behind the jersey — the laughter, the mischief, the human moments.
Final thoughts
Abhishek Sharma’s revelation adds a new dimension to how we view Shubman Gill’s personality — a mischievous strategist who could turn innocence into a shield. More importantly, it highlights the depth of their friendship, forged through shared dreams and youthful adventures. For fans, such stories enrich our connection to players. For young cricketers, it’s a reminder that character, temperament, and social savvy matter just as much as technique. And for the duo themselves, it’s a testament to how much they’ve grown — from pranksters in under-16 buses to pillars of India’s cricketing future.
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