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‘One day, you’ve to watch me play for India in a World Cup from the stands’: How Abhishek Sharma is fulfilling an old promise in Colombo | Cricket News

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'One day, you've to watch me play for India in a World Cup from the stands': How Abhishek Sharma is fulfilling an old promise in Colombo
Abhishek Sharma with his father Rajkumar Sharma and mother Manju Sharma (Special arrangement)

TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: Before the 2018 U-19 World Cup, Abhishek Sharma pleaded with his father, Rajkumar Sharma, to get a passport and come to New Zealand to watch him play. Rajkumar Sharma refused, saying he would travel abroad only if Abhishek played a Test match, an ODI World Cup, or a T20I World Cup. The 16-year-old was heartbroken, but he made a promise to his father: “One day you will have to come and watch me live from the stands. I will play in a World Cup for India.” Eight years later, Rajkumar Sharma, along with his wife Manju Sharma, daughter Komal Sharma and son-in-law Lovish Oberoi, is in Colombo to watch Abhishek play a World Cup match for India.

T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan

“I have seen his IPL matches and some India matches but I have never watched him play a World Cup match from the stands. This is my first time,” an emotional Rajkumar Sharma told TimesofIndia.com.“He wanted us to travel to New Zealand during the U-19 World Cup, but I didn’t go. I challenged him that the day he plays for India in a senior World Cup, ODI or T20I, or Tests, I will travel wherever the venue is, to watch him play. I did break his heart, but I also gave him a goal in life,” Sharma senior said.The world’s leading T20I batter did not have an ideal start to the tournament. He played with a stomach infection against the USA in Mumbai. Although his innings lasted just one ball, his condition worsened. He had a high fever when the team landed in Delhi for the Namibia match. It got so severe that the southpaw had to be admitted to the hospital for a night. The illness also caused drastic weight loss.His family rushed to Delhi to be with him. After seeing his son lying on the hospital bed, Rajkumar Sharma decided to cancel his Colombo tickets, but Abhishek assured him that he would be fit for the February 15 match against Pakistan.“Karoron logon ki dua thi, woh kaise fit nahi hota?” said Rajkumar Sharma. (When millions of people were praying for him, how could he not be fit?)Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who saw Abhishek’s onslaught from close quarters during the Asia Cup in Dubai, is also an admirer of the Indian batter.“We all know he’s a good player and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have. I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow,” Agha told reporters at the R Premadasa Stadium on the eve of the highly anticipated match against India.Abhishek’s father said he was grateful that his son was admired not only within his own team but also in the opposition camp.India captain Suryakumar Yadav also hinted at Abhishek’s return during the press conference.“If he wants him to play, then we’ll play him tomorrow. Done. If the opposing team’s captain is saying it will be good if Abhishek Sharma plays, then let’s play him. No problem,” Surya said.Back from the hospital bed, Abhishek Sharma batted for an hour in the nets. His session was divided into two parts. In one net, he faced fast bowlers, mostly net bowlers. In the second stint, he took on the spinners. There were a few hits and misses, but the sound off the bat was a clear signal that the Amritsar marauder was back, with plenty of critics to silence, including former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir.

Abhishek Sharma during a practice session, at R Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo, Feb. 14, 2026.

“He is a slogger. That is how I see him. A player who cannot judge the line and defend the ball properly, can I call him a proper batter? He comes in and swings hard, and it connects well for him right now,” Amir said on the show Haarna Mana Hai.“But the day he learns to handle tough lines and defend properly, I will change my opinion. You are playing on small grounds and flat wickets. You have not really been tested yet,” Amir added.“Let him tour South Africa, New Zealand and England, where the ball moves. That is where the real test will be. If he succeeds there, I will be the first to call him a proper batter,” he said.Since making his debut in July 2024, Abhishek Sharma has emerged as one of the most destructive batters in world cricket. In 39 T20Is, the left-hander has scored 1,297 runs at a staggering strike rate of 194.45, with two centuries and eight fifties, while maintaining a strong average of 36.02.Although his father admits that watching his son bat increases his blood pressure.“I have told him so many times, ‘Kaake single bhi le’ (take singles as well). Now I have given up. But I sincerely hope he stays at the crease for longer. Right now, he is helping the team get ferocious starts, but if he can control his temptation a bit and bat till 15 overs, he can finish games quickly. But this approach has brought him so many blessings, so I have stopped complaining,” he said.As Abhishek Sharma prepares to walk out under the Colombo lights, the moment carries more than just runs and records. It is the culmination of a promise made by a teenager, the faith of millions who prayed for his recovery, and the quiet pride of a father finally watching from the stands. Whatever unfolds on the pitch, this World Cup night already stands as one of the most personal chapters of Abhishek’s journey.

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LPGA’s big 2025 question is already getting answered in 2026

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Man City player ratings vs Salford with two 4/10s as Marc Guehi scores

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Manchester City were poor in their FA Cup win over Salford but an own goal was added to late on by substitute Marc Guehi.

Manchester City are through to the FA Cup fifth round after a dismal home win over League Two Salford City. An early cross from Rayan Ait-Nouri was inadvertently pushed into the net by Salford’s Alfie Dorrington but the Blues failed to stamp their authority on the game beyond that despite enjoying the vast majority of possession.

Salford twice went close to beating James Trafford and could feel hard done by that they did not get more out of a game where they posed a significant threat. Pep Guardiola brought Rodri, Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly on in the second half in an attempt to turn the game back in City’s favour.

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It worked, with a set-piece won by Semenyo ending with Guehi putting it in the back of the net. Here are the player ratings from the Manchester Evening News.

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Trafford: Had to be alert to tip over Woodburn’s effort at the end of the first half. 7

Alleyne: Slid across well to cover for an error from Stones and was unfortunately injured as he did. 6

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Khusanov: Some sensible play to keep City safe at the back as they threatened to creak. 6

Stones: Looked incredibly rusty on his first start for nearly three months, caught out on a number of occasions. 5

Ait-Nouri: Started brightly and made the first goal, but struggled to stay involved as play stayed on the other flank. 6

Gonzalez: City had bags of possession, especially in the first half, but he couldn’t keep a handle on the midfield. 5

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Reijnders: Particularly poor on the ball, making too many bad decisions to see any promising City attacks fade away. 4

Foden: Just as culpable, failing to find the spaces and create in the final third until he was hooked after an hour. 4

Lewis: Pulled back to right-back after Alleyne’s early injury but was still unable to make an impact on the game. 5

Cherki: It has felt a surprise at times in recent weeks that he hasn’t started, but if he plays like this the next benching won’t be. 5

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Marmoush: Unlucky that he was incorrectly ruled offside when he scored a wondergoal, but he was offside far too often otherwise. 5

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McAidoo (for Alleyne, 21) Couldn’t have the joy that he had against Exeter but put a shift in. 6

Guehi (for Stones, 65) Got the goal to make the game safe. 7

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Semenyo (for Foden, 65) Gave City a threat they hadn’t had. 7

O’Reilly (for Ait-Nouri, 65) Made his presence felt in defence. 7

Rodri (for Gonzalez, 75) Solid. 6

Not used: Donnarumma, Dias, Nunes, Samba

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Erling Haaland of Manchester City gestures during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

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Where to watch NBA 3-point, Dunk Contest: Time, TV channel, stream All-Star Saturday

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NBA’s All-Star Saturday night used to be anchored by the dunk contest. It was the flagship event of the night, as the league’s top players showcased their athletic feats with jaw-dropping dunks. Players who weren’t competing often filled the sidelines, and fans were always enthralled by the nightcap.

However, over the last 10 years, the dunk contest has lost its cachet, while the 3-Point Shootout has gotten all the hype. The 3-Point Shootout has delivered in ways the dunk contest hasn’t in recent years, with nail-biting finishes as everyone watches in awe as the league’s elite shooters show off their skills. While we don’t get the top dunkers for All-Star Saturday night in Los Angeles, the top shooters are regularly lining up to compete in the 3-point competition, giving us a star-studded event every year.

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While the dunk contest doesn’t have high-level names, we’ve still seen some impressive dunks in the last two years thanks to two-time champion Mac McClung, who has decided not to defend his title this weekend. 

As we prepare for the night’s festivities, here’s everything you need to know.

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How to watch All-Star Saturday night

  • Time: 5 p.m. ET | Date: Saturday, Feb. 14
  • Location: Intuit Dome — Los Angeles
  • TV channel: NBC | Live stream: Peacock

The 3-Point Shootout will be the first event of the night. Eight players will compete, and we’ll have a new winner, as reigning champion Tyler Herro is not competing to defend his title. 

3-point Contest Field

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2026 NBA 3-Point Contest odds, predictions, field, time: Picks by expert on 40-17 run for All-Star Weekend

Ross Kelly

2026 NBA 3-Point Contest odds, predictions, field, time: Picks by expert on 40-17 run for All-Star Weekend
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The second event of the night will be the Shooting Stars challenge, which hasn’t been held since 2015. It will replace the Skills Challenge, with four teams competing by making various shots on the floor, including a half-court shot.

Shooting Stars field

As usual, the last event of the night will be the dunk contest. Four participants will compete to be crowned the league’s best dunker. McClung won’t be back to defend his title, as he’s said that he’d rather focus on earning a full-time roster spot in the NBA rather than just being known as the guy who’s a really good dunker. Though the field of dunkers is filled with relative unknowns, it serves as the perfect stage for someone to make a name for themselves if they can wow the crowd.

Dunk Contest field

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Did Aurelius change Britain’s fate?

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The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5 ends with Aurelius facing Gorlas in a duel. Aurelius wins but chooses mercy instead of killing his opponent. Gorlas kneels, showing respect, and the fragile alliance shifts.

This act of compassion secures temporary loyalty, yet Aurelius suffers a serious wound. His injury raises doubts about whether mercy can truly protect Britain’s future.

Moreover, the episode highlights how old grudges and political distrust continue to challenge the Pendragon brothers. Merlin’s presence reinforces that fate cannot be avoided. Aurelius’ choice changes Britain’s path, but the cost of leadership remains high and uncertain.


The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5 recap: Did Aurelius’ mercy secure loyalty or invite more doubt?

The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 (Image via Facebook/Pendragon Cycle)The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 (Image via Facebook/Pendragon Cycle)
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 (Image via Facebook/Pendragon Cycle)

The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5 ends with Aurelius defeating Gorlas in a duel. Despite the fact that he has the opportunity to murder him, Aurelius choose to show mercy. As a sign of respect, Gorlas bows down to Aurelius, recognizing his power and leadership.

However, the decision comes with a significant price tag. There is a major wound sustained by Aurelius, which serves as a reminder to everyone that leadership requires sacrifice.

The conclusion throws into doubt whether or whether mercy will bring the kings together, or whether it will leave Aurelius open to the possibility of future betrayal. His injury is also a metaphor of the precarious status of Pendragon authority, which is characterized by the fact that every victory has long-lasting repercussions.


Merlin struggles with fate

The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5, meanwhile, again highlights the theme of Merlin’s inability to change his fate, even if he wants to. His sadness over the death of Ganeida, and Custennin’s anger, both help to highlight his limitations in terms of his political power.

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In this episode, it is seen how Merlin prays rather than uses his magic to survive when he is captured, showing again how he survives by faith rather than force. In this case, however, it is to reinforce the idea that one cannot escape one’s own fate.

In the later parts of the story, it is seen how Merlin is adamant that Aurelius will become king, but there are still concerns expressed by other characters. His visions and his continued sadness, however, seem to imply that his role is not only to help, but to suffer his own fate, however difficult it might be.


The growing divide between Aurelius and Uther

In the fifth episode of The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1, the growing gap between Aurelius and Uther is revealed to them. While Uther is focused on respecting traditional norms and making no compromises, Aurelius is guided by his compassion and faith.

Although the connection between them remains strong, they differ on their perception of Britain. This is revealed in their duel with Gorlas. While Uther’s stand leads to a duel, Aurelius is trying to bring about peace. As revealed in the conclusion, their unity may be threatened if they are forced to yield to pressure from other monarchs. Aurelius’s magnanimity may work to his favor, but Uther’s stand may cause their fragile alliance to break.

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In the future, they will be forced to face a situation where their rivalry and suspicion of each other because of their heritage will overshadow their reign.


The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5 ends with the character of Aurelius wounded but respected, Merlin weighed down by the weight of fate, and Uther standing firm in defiance of change. The themes of the episode are well connected, bringing together the ideas of belief, loyalty, and sacrifice, and leaving the viewer pondering the possibility of bringing about unity through mercy.

The ending leaves the viewer in suspense about the possible conflicts that will be faced in the future of Britain. The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5 is available to stream on DailyWire+.