Explosive opener Abhishek Sharma admitted the strong backing he received during his batting struggles after India became the T20 World Cup champions again, after crushing New Zealand by 96 runs in the grand finale in Ahmedabad.
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The captain and coach had faith in me: Abhishek Sharma
Despite grappling with moments of self-doubt during the tournament, Abhishek delivered a match-winning performance in the final against New Zealand. His aggressive 52-run knock proved instrumental in India’s 96-run victory, allowing the team to successfully retain their world title. Making a triumphant return to form on the biggest stage, Abhishek dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack with a rapid-fire 52 off just 21 deliveries. His explosive opening partnership with Sanju Samson provided the perfect platform for India to reach a formidable total of 255/5. This blistering start effectively took the game away from the opposition and ensured the defending champions remained at the pinnacle of international T20 cricket.
'I got emotional in the middle of the tournament'
The flamboyant southpaw stated that it wasn't easy for him because he was performing well before the T20 World Cup but couldn't translate it in the big tournament.
"The one thing was very clear, I wanted to share before as well, but today is the best day. The captain and coach had faith in me. Even I was doubting myself. I had never experienced this before, it was a tough tournament. I was just doing my process, trying to take it one game after another, but it wasn't easy. But I love this team because the way they backed me. It wasn't easy for me because going through the whole year i was doing well for the team, but in the big tournament I wasn't able to," Abhishek said after the match.
"But the faith the team and management showed in me. I got emotional in the middle of the tournament and wanted to talk to the coach and captain and they said you'll win us the big games. The crowd has supported us a lot even through tough times," he added.
The win carried extra emotional weight as it took place at the same venue where the team suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. With this result, India has made history as the first men’s team to win the T20 World Cup three times.