Abhishek reveals method to his madness after starring in India's clinical win in Nagpur 'Been practising to go big in...'

Abhishek Sharma highlighted his value at the top of the Indian batting order once again, starring in the Men in Blue’s clinical 48-run victory in the first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur on Wednesday.  Abhishek struck eight sixes and five fours during his blistering knock of 84 off 35 balls, forging a 99-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Suryakumar Yadav and laying the foundation for the hosts' match-winning total of 238/7.

The Black Caps, fresh off a historic 2-1 series win in the ODI leg of their tour and with their key players back in action, lost wickets upfront during the chase and could only manage 190/7 in reply, with Glenn Phillips’ aggressive 78 off 40 balls going in vain.

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‘We had a plan from day one and are just following it’

Speaking at the post-match presentation after being adjudged the Player of the Match for his seventh T20I half-century, Abhishek reflected on going “big in the first six” and carrying intent more than anything else.

“We had a plan from day one and are just following it. I’ve figured out if you want to hit all balls or strike at 200, you have to carry intent. All teams have a plan for me. It’s about my preparation. I’m going to back my instinct. I don’t feel my role is high-risk, wouldn’t say this is my comfort zone. But I’ve been practising to go big in the first six,” Abhishek said following India’s victory at the VCA Stadium.

“I never do range-hitting. I’m more of a timing batter, I need to watch the ball and get used to the conditions. For it, I plan in my net session. I feel, if you watch your batting videos, you get an idea of where the bowler bowls to you. I enjoy slip fielding, have been working with Dilip sir,” he added when asked about his training.

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Surya hails batters for playing roles ‘very well’

Captain Surya, meanwhile, heaped praise on his batting order for executing their roles “very well”. The Mumbai Indians star was also under pressure to deliver with the bat after a torrid run in 2025, and though he missed out on a half-century, he put up a relatively better performance with the bat, scoring 32 off 22 balls with the help of four fours and a six.

“Always good when we bat first, put on runs and defend with dew. All batters played their roles very well, which was a plus point. I felt good when I went into bat. I’ve been batting well in the nets. It was a matter of continuing that and not changing my identity.

“Last two-three weeks, I’ve been hitting it well. Fingers crossed for Abhishek doing well. The way he prepares himself and carries himself is great, nice to see it flowing on here,” ‘SKY’ said after the match.

Besides Abhishek, Rinku Singh was also among India’s standout performers in the series opener against the Kiwis, smashing an unbeaten 44 off 24 balls in his first appearance for the Indian team since the Asia Cup final against Pakistan.

The two teams meet again move to Raipur, where the second fixture of the five-match T20I series takes place on Friday.