"Don't have a lot of shots, have only few": Abhishek Sharma turns heads with big revelation

Abhishek Sharma [Source: AFP]

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma is quickly becoming a familiar name in T20 cricket, especially when it comes to explosive batting. Once again, the 25-year-old showed his class as India defeated New Zealand by 48 runs in the first T20I match in Nagpur. 

With his fearless approach and powerful hitting, Abhishek helped India take early control of the game and never let go.

Notably, India posted a massive total of 238 runs for 7 wickets in their 20 overs, which is their highest-ever T20 score against New Zealand. The foundation of this huge score was laid by Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 84 runs from just 35 balls. 

Abhishek Sharma shines against New Zealand

In recognition of his outstanding performance, he was rightly awarded the Player of the Match.

After the game, Abhishek surprised many with his humble and humorous take on his batting style. When asked about his ability to hit so many sixes, he joked that he actually doesn’t have a wide range of shots. 

Instead, he said he focuses on just a few shots, practises them repeatedly, and then trusts himself to execute them in matches. 

“It is always about me backing my shots. I don’t have a lot of shots, I just have a few shots and I practise a lot and execute them,” Abhishek Sharma said.

Despite India losing two early wickets, Abhishek remained aggressive during the powerplay. He hit eight sixes in total, mostly straight down the ground and over midwicket. Anything bowled in his hitting zone was punished without mercy. 

As a result, India raced ahead early and put New Zealand under immediate pressure. When asked if his approach was risky, Abhishek made it clear that he always thinks about the team first. 

“I don’t see it as high-risk. It’s about using the powerplay for the team,” he said.

Once Abhishek found his rhythm, New Zealand’s bowlers had no answers. He needed only five balls to get going. His first six, hit straight into the sight screen, was a clear warning of what was to come.

Abhishek Sharma sparks, Rinku finishes as India dominate

It is worth mentioning that his aggressive innings also helped captain Suryakumar Yadav settle in. Although Suryakumar was not at his fluent best, he still contributed 32 runs during a rapid 99-run partnership that practically sealed the match early. 

While Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan failed to make an impact, Abhishek ensured their failures didn’t hurt the team.

Later, Rinku Singh added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls, pushing India’s score well beyond New Zealand’s reach.

New Zealand’s chase falls short

In reply, New Zealand showed some fight. Glenn Phillips played a brilliant knock of 78 runs from 40 balls and, along with Mark Chapman, briefly raised hopes. However, the required run rate kept increasing, and the pressure became too much.

India’s bowlers struck at crucial moments. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya picked early wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy controlled the middle overs. Eventually, New Zealand were restricted to 190 for 7.