New Delhi: Abhishek Sharma is glad his plan of wanting to bat in the manner he does in the Indian Premier League clicked in India’s seven wicket win over England in the opening T20I of a five-match series in Kolkata on Wednesday.
The opener, who bats in the top-order for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, hit a sparkling 79-run knock off 34 balls to help India reach a 133-run target in only 12.5 overs at the Eden Gardens, clubbing eight sixes and five boundaries.
“I wanted to express myself but special mention to captain (Suryakumar Yadav) and coach (Gambhir), the freedom they have given us as youngsters is tremendous,” the left hander said after the match.
The 24-year-old also credited under pressure head coach Gautam Gambhir for creating an environment where youngsters like him can play freely and said he was aware what England bowlers tried to do to dismiss him.
‘Freedom to be different’
“Never seen an environment like this, express yourself, hit your shots, even from the first ball. My plan was simple, play like I played in IPL,” he said, adding that it was a sticky pitch to bat on.
“I practiced my trigger movements before the match, I knew they (England bowlers) would bowl short and check my patience. I executed my plans very well.
“It was sticking a bit, double-paced, but the way our bowlers bowled was good, thought we’d chase 160-170. Sanju (Samson) and I talk as partners. When he bats, I enjoy at the other end.”
India skipper captain Suryakumar Yadav picking up early wickets to set the tone for them after winning the toss. Arshdeep Singh claimed the wickets of openers Phil Salt (0) and Ben Duckett (4) to become India’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 97 dismissals.
“There’s a lot of freedom given, we want to play a bit different. Bowlers had plans, executed, and the way we batted was icing on the cake. We did the same in South Africa,” he said.
“Hardik had responsibility to bowl new ball so cushion to play the extra spinner. Varun’s preparations are on point, and Arshdeep is taking the extra responsibility.”
Abhishek Sharma hit a sparkling 79-run knock off 34 balls to help India reach a target of 133 in only 12.5 overs against England at Eden Gardens on Wednesday Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
