Like Sharma like Sharma: Abhishek making up for Rohit’s aggression

New Delhi: Swashbuckling India opener Abhishek Sharma said he has been following the aggressive template set by former skipper Rohit Sharma in T20I powerplays after being encouraged to do so by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Having made his T20I debut in July 2024, Abhishek’s minute-a-mile batting approach has helped him take the No. 1 spot in the ICC rankings for batters in that format.

In 34 matches so far, he has cracked two tons and seven fifties to score 1199 runs at a strike rate of 190.92.

“Rohit bhai has done a lot for the country. There is always pressure because of the starts he used to give in the powerplay,” Abhishek said when asked about Rohit’s influence on him.

“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. I have been following in Rohit bhai’s footsteps and I am really happy to play in this manner and do well for India,” he added.

Abhishek said while there is room for improvement in his game, he has complete role clarity. “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 practicing a lot for that. I know if I give a good start or show good intent early, the team can follow that momentum (and) that is what I always think about,” he said.

With the T20 World Cup a fortnight away, Abhishek said he has been practicing against specific kind of bowlers he would come across in the competition. “If I want to play aggressive cricket and show intent, I have to practice a certain way. That is what I always do before matches. When I get a week or 10 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 practicing for that too. I know we will play all over India in different conditions

against different teams.”