Exuberant Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, who scored another fifty against Bangladesh on Wednesday in the Asia Cup, attributed his brave batting to hours of practice in the nets and pure hard work.
With a scorching 37-ball 75 that included six fours and five sixes, the 25-year-old, who is presently ranked No. 1 in T20Is, helped India defeat Bangladesh by 41 runs and go to the continental tournament final. He had smashed a 39-ball 74 against Pakistan, and this was his second consecutive half-century in the Super 4s stage.
“I was just doing my job. I have told before as well that I do not think much (while going in to bat) and go with the flow,” Abhishek said at the presentation after bagging his second man-of-the-match award in a row.
“If it is in my range, even if it is the first ball, I go for it and try to get the Powerplay (going) for my team.”
Regarding his strategy against Bangladesh, he stated: “In a few matches, I wanted to go (after the first ball). There are certain bowlers who want to go for a wicket off the first ball. In this match, because this was a new pitch, I wanted to check how it was doing. It was swinging and seaming.”
“I always try to go with the field, because there are certain shots I back really hard. I see the field and then go for the shots. I’m not someone who goes all-out like that.”
Abhishek’s audacious strategy stems from his early years. His father, former first-class cricketer Rajkumar Sharma, had always urged him to follow his instincts, frequently telling him that “balls are meant to be hit.”
“I’ve done a lot of work in practice sessions — I feel that is the time when batters get time to work on themselves,” Abhishek said about where his power-hitting comes from.
“I had a plan that if I have to play with such intent, I have to practice really hard for it. When you play too many shots in the nets, there are chances you can get out. It was in my mind not to get out while playing too many shots.”
After posting 168-6 thanks to Abhishek’s explosive start, India dismissed Bangladesh for 127 in 19.3 overs. The victors of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match on Thursday will face India in the summit clash on Sunday.
Although India retained their playing XI, captain Suryakumar Yadav moved Shivam Dube to number three in the batting order.
“They had a left-arm spinner and a leg-spinner and Dube was the perfect match-up. His entry point (between overs 7-15) was also perfect. It did not go well but going ahead, we will definitely try doing that,” said Suryakumar.
The captain attributed the slow outfield to India’s struggles in the latter part of the innings.
“If the outfield would have been really fast, it would have been 180-185 but with the bowling lineup we have, if we bowl 12-14 good overs, we will win on most occasions,” he added.
