Watch - Shoaib Akhtar bumps into 'rising star of India' ahead of Pakistan clash: 'Glad I wasn’t born in his era'

Pakistan's legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar heaped praise on Abhishek Sharma and called the India youngster 'exceptional talent' backing him to do 'wonders in years to come'. In the recent T20I series between India and England, Abhishek slammed the opposition bowling attack all over the park and now it looks like he's supporting Team India as a fan from the outside in Dubai for the Champions Trophy clash between India and Pakistan.

Akhtar met Sharma on the eve of the IND-PAK match. He showered praise on Abhishek Sharma for his recent T20I century against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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"I'm glad that I wasn’t born in this era. The reason why people like this young lad. He got a 100 and I watched your innings. It was fantastic, amazing. And I gave him a couple of advice," Akhtar said in a video posted on his official X account.

"Don't leave your strength. At the same time, become a friend to people who are better than you. There is a great life ahead for this young talented guy. I wish him the best of luck," he added.