Abhishek Sharma saw the West Indies plan coming. Here’s how he responded

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma said he has to find ways to counter West Indies’ plans against him after smashing a 30-ball 69 in the third T20I. His explosive knock helped India secure a 14-run win to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

After the match with the press Abhishek explained how West Indies opted to open with off-spinner Roston Chase and batting off the side forced him to explore different scoring options.

“I wouldn’t say it was deliberate, but I meant that they had a plan against me,” Abhishek said.

“With the off-spin bowling against me, it was just a battle between him and me. I gave him respect in the first match because he has been playing really well in this series.”

The left-hander, who hit six fours and five sixes, said his shots came from reading the field rather than deliberately targeting a particular area. He added that he had to find ways to score during the power-play despite West Indies’ plans to contain him.

HOW ABHISHEK CROSSED THE WEST INDIES

India posted 223 before restricting West Indies to 209 for sevenwith Abhishek 69 and his 108-run stand with Ishan Kishan set up the victory. Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets but India remained wary of a side capable of turning matches quickly.

“West Indies are such a team that you can never say that the match is on our side now,” said Abhishek.

“We said we would be ruthless about it and not give them a single chance to come back.

Abhishek also spoke about Shamar Springer’s late strike, acknowledging West Indies’ ability to fight back even after losing early wickets. He backed Naman Dhir, who took 2/39, to do well for India in the years to come, having watched him soar since his 14th birthday.

“You have to tell him the plan; the bowler probably doesn’t think much at that moment when he gets two sixes back to back,” Abhishek said.

CAN INDIA CLOSE THE SERIES?

Abhishek also spoke about his understanding with Kishan, with whom he has shared several partnerships in the IPL. He said he was trying to make Kishan laugh and relax at the crease, allowing both batsmen to enjoy their partnership rather than thinking about the conditions.

Preparation, Abhishek added, remains central to his aggressive approach, especially when it comes to making the most of the power play. His plans are shaped by the opposition and bowlers he is expected to face.

“Preparation is really important,” said Abhishek. “If I’m just going to use the power play and I want to continue to do that, preparation really matters.

India will now look to seal the five-match series when they take on West Indies in the fourth T20I on Wednesday, October 14 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The match will start at 19:00 IST, the fifth and final T20I is scheduled for October 17 in Bengaluru.

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