'Let’s Do a Cake Smash on Rahul Sir’s Face' – Former Team India pacer recalls Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma’s prank ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Former Team India pacer Shivam Mavi recently shared a memorable incident involving Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma from the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2018, ahead of Team India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign. The legendary Rahul Dravid had been the head coach of India’s Under-19 squad for that tournament, which began just two days after his birthday.

Mavi recalled how Gill and Abhishek, along with Kamlesh Nagarkoti, plotted to surprise Dravid with a birthday cake smash. “It was always Gill and Abhishek. Whether during team outings, team activities, or lunches and dinners, the two were always together. They said, 'Let's do a cake smash on Rahul sir's face.' And they actually did it,” Mavi told ESPN Cricinfo.

He also remembered how Gill and Abhishek wanted to get back at Bangladesh in the Under-19 World Cup quarterfinal. "Before our quarter-final, Gill and Abhishek said, 'We'll give it back to them.' They instructed Ishan Porel and Riyan Parag, the team's Bengali speakers, to be at their chirpiest. Then our two Punjabi boys would chip in from time to time,” Mavi added.

Gill and Abhishek Reunite at the Top

Under Dravid’s guidance, India went on to win the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, defeating Australia in the final. Gill’s brilliance was instrumental, finishing the tournament with 372 runs in six matches at an average of 124 and a strike rate of 112.38. The duo have since batted together on multiple occasions, dating back to their junior days, and reunited at the top of the order when Abhishek made his senior India debut during the tour of Zimbabwe last year.

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Despite Gill being out of the Indian T20I side since the Zimbabwe series, he has now been selected for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. With Sanju Samson struggling in India’s recent T20I series against England and Abhishek scoring a brilliant century in the finale, all indications point towards Gill partnering with Abhishek at the top. India will face the UAE in their tournament opener in Dubai on Wednesday, September 10.