Raipur, Jan 23 (.) India’s T20I opener Abhishek Sharma said he is still a work in progress as a batter and believes there is always “room to improve”, even as he continues to define his role as an aggressive starter for the national side.
Speaking on Cricket Live, Abhishek said his primary responsibility is to put opposition bowlers under pressure in the power play and provide early momentum to the team.
“I would not say I am fully matured yet, because there is always room to improve. But I feel my job is to play aggressive cricket in the first six overs. I have been practicing a lot for that. I know if I give a good start or show good intent early, the team can follow that momentum,” he said.
The left-hander also acknowledged the influence of India’s T20 World Cup-winning skipper Rohit Sharma on his approach, revealing that the team management expects him to replicate the intent shown by the ‘Hitman’ at the top of the order.
“Rohit bhai has done a lot for the country. There is always pressure because of the shots he used to give in the powerplay. When I came into the team, the coach and captain wanted the same from me. I felt it suited my style too because I love to attack from the first few balls,” Abhishek said, adding that he was happy to follow Rohit’s template and contribute to India’s success.
Abhishek also underlined the importance of preparation ahead of matches, especially with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approaching.
“When I get a week or ten days, I keep in mind the bowlers I will face in the next series or matches. It all comes down to how I execute those plans. For the upcoming T20 World Cup, I have been practicing for that too,” he said.
Highlighting the tactical aspect of his batting, Abhishek explained that targeting frontline bowlers early helps tilt the contest in India’s favour.
“I feel I have to play this way because in most teams, the main bowlers bowl the first few overs. If I score runs in those overs, it helps the team follow that momentum. It also puts the bowlers under pressure,” he said.
The 25-year-old underlined his credentials with a Player of the Match performance in the opening T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur on Wednesday, blasting 84 off just 35 balls in India’s 48-run win. Abhishek’s innings, studded with eight sixes, powered India to a commanding 238/7 after being sent in to bat.
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