Indian players were ‘jealous’ of Abhishek Sharma:Sanju Samson opens up about opening partner, says they’re ‘fire and fire’

After claiming the T20 World Cup title, Sanju Samson went all praise for his fellow opener Abhishek Sharma at the India Today Conclave. He described how the relationship between the two batters is not ‘ice and fire’, which is often labelled on the broadcasting, but rather it is ‘fire and fire’. Meanwhile, India opener also landed a hilarious remark about Abhishek’s overwhelming popularity that made his other Team India teammates ‘jealous’ of him. Abhishek Sharma has rapidly built a strong reputation in international cricket over the last couple of years, particularly in the T20 format. Known for his fearless stroke play, the left-hander has made a significant impact both in the Indian Premier League and for India in T20Is. Also Read: Top 15 moments from Kuldeep-Vanshika’s wedding: Couple takes Pheras in royal style in Mussoorie, culminating two-day rituals ‘We’re not ice and fire, we’re fire and fire’: Samson on camaraderie with Abhishek Speaking at the Conclave, Sanju Samson talked about the bond that comes naturally to both openers. He said, “We are not ice and fire, we are fire and fire. Sometimes he fires, sometimes I do. We have that kind of combination going. We have done this since 2024; we have a Kerala-Punjabi friendship in the middle. Everything comes pretty naturally to us, so we do not complicate it.” Further heaping the praise, Samson said, “He asks me, ‘How is the ball coming?’ I tell him that the ball is coming normally, and hit it for a six. It is really simple with him. Abhishek is very brave and collected. I love his character. I really love the partnership with him on and off the field.” Samson also revealed how Abhishek’s stardom incited ‘jealousy’ in his teammates. ‘Boys used to get jealous because of Abhishek’: Sanju Samson Reflecting on Abhishek’s growing popularity, India wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson shared a light-hearted moment from the dressing room, joking about how the young opener’s name echoed everywhere because of the loud cheers from fans. “Earlier, the boys used to get jealous because of the cheers for Abhishek. It was Abhishek, Abhishek everywhere. We were like, do people only see him or what?” Samson jokingly said at the IndiaToday conclave. Then Samson also joked about Abhishek’s personal life, teasing the young opener about settling down soon as his popularity continues to soar within the team. “But yes, he is the superstar of the team now. Get married soon, bhai,” he added jokingly. Playing ODI cricket for India is also a dream Meanwhile, after an underwhelming T20 World Cup since the final, Abhishek stood tall in the end against New Zealand with a blistering fifty. The Indian opener said at the Conclave: Also Read: ‘No country is bigger than ICC’:Jay Shah breaks silence on Pakistan, Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup boycott saga “Obviously, the ultimate goal is to play all formats for India as much as I can. But I’ve stopped thinking too much about those things because they are not in my hands. I just want to follow the process I’ve been taught over the last two years by Yuvraj Singh.” “That’s the one thing I’ve learnt – if it’s not in my hands, I shouldn’t worry about it. I just need to perform and help win games in whatever format I’m playing right now. But of course, playing ODI cricket for India is also a dream if I get that opportunity,” he added.