T20 World Cup: India’s lfet-handed opener Abhishek Sharma said he has modelled his attacking approach on Rohit Sharma’s powerplay exploits, adding that he’s happy to play aggressively for the side in the run-up to the Men’s T20 World Cup, starting on February 7.
"Rohit bhai has done a lot for the country. There is always pressure because of the starts he used to give in the powerplay. 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. So, I think I have been following in Rohit bhai's footsteps, and I am really happy to play in this manner and do well for India," Abhishek told JioStar.
Abhishek had hit a match-winning 84 in the T20I series opener against New Zealand in Nagpur and said his role was clear at the top of the order. "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 practising a lot for that. I know if I give a good start or show good intent early, the team can follow that momentum. That is what I always think about."
Abhishek explained how he tailors his training to excel against specific opponents. "If I want to play aggressive cricket and show intent, I have to practise a certain way. That is what I always do before matches. When I get a week or ten days, I keep in mind the bowlers I will face in the next series or matches.
"It all comes down to how I execute those plans. For the upcoming T20 World Cup, I have been practising for that too. I know we will play all over India in different conditions against different teams, so preparation is key.
"I feel I have to play this way because in most teams, the main bowlers bowl the first few overs. If I score runs in those overs, it helps the team follow that momentum. It also puts the bowlers under pressure. Once that happens, I feel they are playing into my plan and I can execute it," he elaborated.
He also spoke about a technical tweak to his batting. "I have always had a high grip holding position on the bat. The only thing I worked on was my back lift. I used to keep it a bit low, but now I keep it above my waist so I can get a smooth flow. When it was low, I was getting late on some balls. So I practised that. But the back lift and the grip are both natural for me."
"I feel I have to play this way because in most teams, the main bowlers bowl the first few overs. If I score runs in those overs, it helps the team follow that momentum. It also puts the bowlers under pressure. Once that happens, I feel they are playing into my plan and I can execute it," he elaborated.
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"I ask them to bowl out-swingers, in-swingers, and use the new ball. I also ask them to take certain fielders out for me. I know, especially going into the World Cup and any match, they won't give me a lot of pace. I realised that in the last few matches, so I have been working on it. If you want to play aggressive cricket, you have to be prepared for different situations all the time."