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- By Gurmeet Batra
- Thu, 22 Jan 2026 07:51 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I: India's hard-hitting opener Abhishek Sharma attributed his success to trusting his instincts and timing rather than relying on brute force after he plumbed New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Wednesday.
Abhishek's tumultuous 84-run knock off 35 balls, decorated with eight sixes and five fours, set the tone for India's commanding 238/7 total.
"We had a plan from day one and are just following it. I've figured out if you want to hit all balls or strike at 200, you have to carry intent. All teams have a plan for me. It's about my preparation. I'm going to back my instinct," Abhishek said at the post-match presentation.
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When questioned about his warlike approach, Abhishek emphasised his team-first attitude, clarifying that his role was to maximise the powerplay, setting the stage for the team's innings to grow.
"I don't feel my role is high-risk, wouldn't say this is my comfort zone. But I've been practising to go big in the first six. I never do range-hitting. I'm more of a timing batter, I need to watch the ball and get used to the conditions," he added.
"For it, I plan in my net session. I feel, if you watch your batting videos, you get an idea of where the bowler bowls to you," said the India opener.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav lavished praise on Abhishek's preparation and conduct, underlining the opener's consistent work away from the spotlight for his rewards.
"The way he prepares, I mean, it's not just how he bats in the games, but the way he prepares himself, the way he carries himself, when he's in the hotel, in the team bus. I think all those things, small small things, it reflects on the ground and he is enjoying those fruits of that," Suryakumar said.