After playing a crucial part in India’s victory over New Zealand in the first Twenty20 International in Nagpur on Wednesday, dashing opener Abhishek Sharma stated that he does not believe in range-hitting and instead supports his instincts and timing, emphasizing the significance of adapting to conditions.
With eight sixes and five boundaries in his scorching 35-ball 84, the 25-year-old helped India score a challenging 238/7 and win the series opener by 48 runs.
“We had a plan from day one and are just following it. I’ve figured out if you want to hit all balls or strike at 200, you have to carry intent. All teams have a plan for me. It’s about my preparation. I’m going to back my instinct,” said Abhishek, who was named Player of the Match, at the post-match presentation.
“I don’t feel my role is high-risk, wouldn’t say this is my comfort zone. But I’ve been practising to go big in the first six. I never do range-hitting. I’m more of a timing batter, I need to watch the ball and get used to the conditions. For it, I plan in my net session. I feel, if you watch your batting videos, you get an idea of where the bowler bowls to you.”
India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised Abhishek’s preparedness, stating that the opener benefited from steady practice away from the spotlight.
“The way he prepares, I mean, it’s not just how he bats in the games, but the way he prepares himself, the way he carries himself, when he’s in the hotel, in the team bus. I think all those things, small small things, it reflects on the ground and he is enjoying those fruits of that.”
Additionally, Suryakumar commended his batting unit for bouncing back from early setbacks.
“I think it’s always good when we get those numbers on the board, and if there’s a little bit of dew on the board, I think that’s a big positive. And the way we batted, even after when we were put under pressure in the powerplay, we were 25-2, and then we took the game till the 15th over, and then we never stopped all the batters.”
When asked how the eight batters and three strike bowlers were balanced, the India captain replied: “I mean, it looks good. It’s been working for me as a team, and so if it’s working, let’s continue with that.”
A return to form was indicated by Suryakumar’s 22-ball 32 and his pivotal 99-run partnership with Abhishek.
“I mean, I felt good when I went into bat. It was perfect time for me to go into bat. Good pressure situation. I’ve been batting in that situation. And as I said earlier as well, I’ve been batting really well in the nets. It was just a matter of time when you play a few balls, bat the way I bat. And that doesn’t change my identity. I think it came naturally. I mean, whatever strokes I played, I’ve been practicing really well in the last 2-3 weeks. I’m at it similarly during the net session. Played a few practice games as well. So I was feeling good.”
The captain remained steadfast in support of his team despite a few mistakes made by India’s fielding unit.
“I think with such a heavy dew, a few lines here and there, I mean, I’m just supporting my fielders. But yeah, I mean, we keep improving that one department. We try and improve always when we take on the field. So very happy with the effort from the boys.”
Lower-order batsman Rinku Singh contributed a crucial 44 and acknowledged that his sporadic appearance in the side was putting pressure on him.
“There was pressure on me as I was in and out of the team. The plan was to take singles and then go for it. Also to stay till the end. That’s what I did. GG sir told me to keep the intent. We want to take this confidence and momentum forward into the World Cup and win it,” he said.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged India’s domination at home.
“India is a very good team at home. We knew that. Their record the last two years is outstanding. And, yeah, it was a good game for us.”
