‘They Told Me To Always Keep My Intent’: Abhishek Sharma Opens Up After 1st T20I Blitzkrieg At Eden Gardens

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Cric News India

January 23, 2025 0 665

Abhishek Sharma Lauds Captains and Coaches for Backing

Abhishek Sharma delivered a scintillating 79 off 34 balls against England in Kolkata, attributing his success to the freedom and confidence instilled by his team.

Abhishek Sharma continued his rise in international cricket with a blistering 34-ball 79 against England in the first T20I at Kolkata. The 24-year-old left-hander, who has had an impressive couple of years in the IPL, showcased his destructive batting as India cruised to victory with 43 balls to spare. However, his journey in T20Is has been a mix of highs and lows, with eight of his first 12 innings ending in scores under 20.

Despite this inconsistency, Sharma credited his captains and coaches for encouraging him to stay true to his natural attacking style. “I have thought always from the start to be a team player. In India, there will always be a lot of competition in our senior team. But when Suryakumar and Gautam paaji tell me to always keep my intent, that was a big moment for me, that when the team wants me to do that, then I can do it,” he said at the post-match press conference.

Sharma highlighted the importance of the backing he has received from the team management, particularly during lean patches. “As a batsman, it can play on your mind if you don’t score runs in three-four-five innings, but the way the coach and captain have managed all the players, even when I’ve not done well – even then they tell us, ‘we know you’re going to win the game for us, any game, just go and express yourself’ – I think when the captain or coach say this, you get confidence and you back yourself,” Sharma added.

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Sharma also revealed his meticulous preparation for big tournaments and games, crediting batting coach Sitanshu Kotak for tailoring his net sessions. “I think it comes at the camp only, once you’re practicing for a tournament. I try and want to face the kind of bowlers I will potentially face in a match. Special mention to Kotzy sir and Abhishek Nayar bhai. Both helped me in the nets to get me similar bowlers. I always believe that going into a match or a particular tournament, I hope I get similar bowlers that I will get in the match. Shot selection is very simple for me. I watch the ball and react,” Sharma explained.