Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Opener says fearless intent, strong preparation and timing-based hitting are the keys to his T20 approach
India’s left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma played a match-winning knock of 84 runs to help India defeat New Zealand in the first T20I at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur on Wednesday. After receiving the Player of the Match award, Abhishek said India’s success is coming from sticking to an aggressive style of cricket that the team has believed in from the very beginning.
Speaking about his attacking mindset, Abhishek said the focus has always been clear—play fearless cricket and follow the plan. He added that India is simply continuing what the team has been practicing since Day One, and their aim is to dominate from the start, especially in the powerplay overs.
Abhishek also shared how his six-hitting ability comes from practice and discipline rather than only raw power. He explained that if a batter wants to consistently score at a strike rate of 200 or more, they must carry the intent in every ball and work hard in training sessions. He said opposition teams always come with plans against him, not just with field placements but also with specific bowling strategies, which makes preparation even more important.
When asked whether his aggressive style is risky, Abhishek made it clear that he does not see it as high-risk cricket. He believes it is the approach he has always wanted—taking control in the first six overs, where top bowlers usually operate. According to him, if the batting side scores heavily in the first three to four overs, they gain the upper hand for the rest of the innings.
Abhishek highlighted that timing is the biggest strength in his game, not brute force. He admitted he is not someone who relies on huge range-hitting power, but instead trusts clean timing and watching the ball closely. Since matches are being played across different venues in India, he said adapting quickly to pitch and conditions is crucial, and he plans his training sessions accordingly a day before the match.
He further explained that studying videos helps him understand how bowlers might attack him, but the key is backing his strengths. Abhishek said he does not have a wide range of shots, but he practices a few shots repeatedly and focuses on executing them confidently during the game.
In the same match, Rinku Singh, who returned to the playing XI, scored an unbeaten 44 and said his plan was to stay till the end while keeping the intent high. He added that he wants to take this momentum forward and build confidence for the upcoming World Cup.