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India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma has said that he tries to follow the aggressive approach once set by former captain Rohit Sharma during T20I powerplays. He added that both head coach Gautam Gambhir and current captain Suryakumar Yadav have backed him to play fearlessly at the top.
Abhishek who made his T20I debut after Rohit Sharma retired from the format in 2024. The left-handed batter known for his his fast-paced and attacking style became the number one batter in ICC T20I batting rankings.
So far, Abhishek has featured in 34 T20I matches, scoring 1,199 runs at an impressive strike rate of 190.92. During this run, he has smashed two centuries and seven half-centuries.
Abhishek Sharma on replicating Rohit Sharma
The southpaw said the clear support from the team management has given him confidence to take on bowlers early and make the most of the powerplay overs.
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"Rohit bhai has done a lot for the country. There is always pressure because of the starts he used to give in the powerplay,” Abhishek told JioHotstar when asked about Rohit’s influence on him.
“When I came into the team, the coach and captain wanted the same from me. I felt it suited my style too because I love to attack from the first few balls. I have been following in Rohit bhai's footsteps and I am really happy to play in this manner and do well for India,” he added.
Abhishek said while there is room for improvement in his game, he has complete role clarity.
"I wouldn't say I am fully matured yet, because there is always room to improve. But I feel my job is to play aggressive cricket in the first six overs.
"I have been practicing a lot for that. I know if I give a good start or show good intent early, the team can follow that momentum (and) that is what I always think about," he said.
Abhishek Sharma's upcoming outing
Abhishek Sharma is currently featuring in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, where he scored 84 runs in 35 balls. The destructive batter will now be seen featuring in the second T20I. He will be the vital cog for India's batting in the T20 World Cup 2026 which will start from February 7
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