India opener Abhishek Sharma has credited the team management for allowing him to bat aggressively while emphasizing the importance of consistency to secure his place in the Twenty20 squad. The Punjab batter dazzled in India's seven-wicket victory against England in Kolkata on Wednesday, smashing eight sixes and five fours in a spectacular display of power-hitting.
This impressive form follows his breakthrough 46-ball century against Zimbabwe last year, though it was his only significant score in his first nine T20 International innings. Abhishek’s recent performances, including scores of 50, 36, and 79, have provided him with much-needed confidence.
The 24-year-old praised captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir for their unwavering support, even during his lean phases. "In India, there is always intense competition in the senior team," Abhishek noted, adding that such pressure can affect a batsman’s mindset when runs dry up.
However, the faith shown by the team leadership helped him stay positive. "They tell us, 'We know you're going to win the game for us, just go and express yourself,' which boosts our confidence," he explained.
Abhishek’s preparations include net sessions against bowlers replicating the actions of his upcoming opponents, a strategy that has helped him fine-tune his skills.
The young left-hander considers himself fortunate to have been mentored by cricket greats like Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad, alongside the guidance of Gambhir in the national setup.
With the second T20 International against England set for Saturday in Chennai, Abhishek is eager to continue showcasing his talent and contributing to the team’s success.
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