Abhishek Sharma Credits Rohit Sharma's Influence for His Aggressive Batting Approach

Abhishek Sharma Acknowledges Rohit Sharma's Influence on His Aggressive Batting Style

Indian cricket's rising star Abhishek Sharma has openly discussed how he draws inspiration from former captain Rohit Sharma's attacking approach, while candidly admitting that he still considers himself a work in progress as a batter. The young opener's comments come as India prepares for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, with the home series against New Zealand serving as crucial preparation.

Explosive Performance Against New Zealand

Abhishek Sharma began the New Zealand series with remarkable intensity, delivering a spectacular 35-ball 84 runs that included five boundaries and eight maximums. This explosive innings powered India to a formidable total of 238/7, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting series. The left-handed batter has been in exceptional form since last year, accumulating 943 runs across 22 matches and innings with an impressive average of 44.90 and a staggering strike rate of 196.86.

His consistent performances include one century, six half-centuries, and a highest score of 135, demonstrating his growing capability as a top-order aggressor for the Indian team.

Embracing Aggression While Acknowledging Development

Speaking during a Cricket Live session, Abhishek emphasized his commitment to playing aggressive cricket, particularly during the crucial powerplay overs. "I would not say I am fully matured yet, because there is always room to improve," he stated honestly. "But I feel my job is to play aggressive cricket in the first six overs. I have been practicing a lot for that."

The 23-year-old explained his strategic thinking: "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." This mindset reflects a mature understanding of his role within the team structure, despite his self-assessment as still developing.

Following in Rohit Sharma's Footsteps

Abhishek revealed how captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir specifically encouraged him to emulate Rohit Sharma's approach of putting opposition bowlers under immediate pressure. "Rohit bhai has done a lot for the country. There is always pressure because of the starts he used to give in the powerplay," he acknowledged.

"When I came into the team, the coach and captain wanted the same from me," Abhishek continued. "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."

Meticulous Preparation Behind Aggressive Intent

The young batter emphasized that his attacking approach is not mere instinct but stems from thorough preparation. "When I get a week or ten days, I keep in mind the bowlers I will face in the next series or matches," he explained. "It all comes down to how I execute those plans."

With the T20 World Cup approaching, Abhishek has been focusing on adapting to various conditions. "For the upcoming T20 World Cup, I have been practicing for that too. I know we will play all over India in different conditions against different teams, so preparation is key," he noted.

He elaborated on his tactical reasoning: "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."