Abhishek Sharma's message boosts Sagar Virk ahead of Youth 'Tests'

Sagar Virk said on September 26, 2026 in Rajkot that a message from Abhishek Sharma boosted his confidence as he prepared for the India under-19 Youth 'Tests' against Australia. He credited the advice with helping him manage difficult moments in matches.

The 17-year-old described a routine of rising at 5 a.m. in Patiala and spending full days at the cricket ground as part of his progression from watching his elder brother Manveer Singh play to earning an India under-19 call-up. He was overlooked for Punjab in his first year of under-16 cricket and missed out again the following year. His coach, Himanshu Chawla, continued to encourage him, telling him, "You can do it. U-19 is the main level. Once you start playing there, you can even go on to play for India".

That persistence led to selection for India under-19 and a notable innings on the tour of Sri Lanka, where he scored 134 in the first Youth 'Test'.

After returning home, Virk shared a dressing room with Abhishek Sharma while playing for Amritsar Soormas in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament. He described Abhishek as "very chilled out" and said the senior player urged the youngsters to "play your own game".

Virk recounted Abhishek's words during pressure situations: "During difficult moments, Abhishek bhaiya’s message was simple: 'Nothing will happen, just bat properly. We will get there.'" "And those words gave all of us a lot of confidence," he said.

Buoyed by that confidence, Virk is now ready for the Youth 'Tests' against Australia.