Abhishek Sharma Reveals Secret Behind His Stunning T20I Century
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has credited meticulous preparation and confidence for his sensational 113 off just 38 balls against New Zealand in the third T20 International. The left-handed batter said he had “manifested” the innings after an intensive practice session ahead of the match.
Abhishek’s explosive knock helped India chase down New Zealand’s target of 199 in just 13.2 overs, securing a six-wicket victory and an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
The Punjab batter smashed his 11th T20 century, underlining his growing reputation as one of India’s most destructive batters in the shortest format.
Record-Breaking Powerplay Sets Up India’s Victory
Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided India with a remarkable start, combining for a record 118 runs in the powerplay. Sooryavanshi contributed a blistering 45 off just 19 balls, complementing Abhishek’s aggressive stroke play.
Speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Abhishek explained that the pair focused on enjoying their time at the crease and exploiting the conditions.
“We were just going to enjoy ourselves, especially in the powerplay,” Abhishek said, explaining that the batters assessed the pitch’s extra bounce and the ground’s dimensions before deciding how to approach the New Zealand bowlers.
He added that the short square boundaries and the opportunity to use the bowlers’ pace helped shape their strategy.
Preparation and Coaches Played a Key Role
Abhishek stressed that such extraordinary performances are built on preparation behind the scenes rather than simply natural hitting ability. He specifically acknowledged the contribution of India’s coaching staff, highlighting their use of sidearm bowling during practice sessions.
“Preparation is really important as a batter. If you see the conditions and the dimensions, that’s always in your mind. Then you have to keep the bowlers in mind and play the shots according to them,” he explained.
The left-hander said the team had enjoyed a productive practice session the previous day and that he wanted to make the most of it.
“I feel I pretty much manifested this innings, and it happened,” Abhishek added.
Yuvraj Singh’s Playful Challenge to His Protégé
Abhishek’s extraordinary hitting also drew a humorous response from his mentor, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.
Abhishek reached his half-century in just 15 balls and completed his century off 35 deliveries. Yuvraj, who holds the record for India’s fastest T20I half-century off 12 balls, jokingly challenged his protégé to break the mark.
“You still can’t get 50 off 12, can you, Abhishek Sharma! Looks like two left-handers batting in their backyard!” Yuvraj wrote on X.
The record was set during India’s memorable 2007 T20 World Cup match against England, when Yuvraj smashed six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad.
Responding to his mentor’s post, Abhishek praised Yuvraj’s extraordinary achievement and acknowledged how difficult it is to score 50 runs in just 12 deliveries.
He said such milestones cannot be forced and that the primary objective for batters is always to win matches for the team.
Yuvraj Praises Abhishek and India’s Team Effort
Yuvraj later posted another message congratulating Abhishek on his ability to score centuries in fewer than 40 balls. He also praised Sooryavanshi’s contribution, Sanju Samson’s willingness to bat at No. 3 for the team’s benefit, and India’s bowlers for restricting New Zealand to a total below 200.
Calling Abhishek and Sooryavanshi a “devastating combination,” Yuvraj congratulated the Indian team on its series victory.
With Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting, Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach and India’s strong collective performance, the third T20I provided another emphatic statement of India’s attacking intent in the format.
