‘Khelunga bhi waise hi’: Abhishek Sharma reveals Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ message before NZ attack

India’s Abhishek Sharma, left, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (AP/PTI) India opener Abhishek Sharma revealed that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has promised to bat fearlessly, borrowing an iconic dialogue from a Bollywood film. Bhaag Milkha Bhaagduring a clean session ahead of the third T20I against New Zealand. The 15-year-old then lived up to his words with an explosive innings that helped India seal the series.Sooryavanshi told Abhishek that he would act in the same way as the character in the film using the dialogue “Bhaiya, khelunga bhi waise hi” which translates to “Brother, I will act in the same way”.The young left-hander lived up to his promise and smashed 45 off just 19 balls to give India a flying start in their chase of 199. Abhishek opened alongside Sooryavanshi with 113 off 38 deliveries as India cruised to a six-wicket win in just 13.2 overs at the Hnry Stadium on Tuesday.In a video shared by BCCI after the match, Abhishek recalled the interview and credited Sooryavanshi’s aggressive start that helped set the tone for the chase.“Yesterday, Vaibhav told me something in the nets that I will act in the same way as in Milkha Singh Bhag Milkha Bhag the dialogue ‘Bhaiya, khelunga bhi waise hi’,” said Abhishek.The Indian opener explained that Sooryavanshi’s intent was especially significant against New Zealand’s front-line fast bowler. Abhishek, who watched from the non-striker’s end, said the teenager’s aggressiveness instantly boosted his confidence.“When you’re chasing 200 or 190, his first ball, first over, is his main fastball. And when you show that kind of aggression as an opener. Being on the other side, I’ve seen it. First ball, the non-striker gets excited,” he said.Abhishek was quick to acknowledge the youngster’s contribution to the result, stressing that the opening partnership played a key role in India’s successful chase.“I feel a special mention for Vaibhav. I think what he did today was very crucial today. So it goes to him,” he added.The pair’s onslaught broke records as India raced to 118 without losing a wicket in the powerplay, posting the highest team total in the first six overs of the men’s T20 International. India also reached 50 in just 2.2 overs, equaling the joint-fastest team fifty in the format, before crossing the 100-run mark in five overs.Abhishek also highlighted the selfless attitude in the Indian dressing room, pointing to Sanju Samson’s willingness to adjust his position in the batting order after opening in the first two matches.“One more thing. Sanju Bhai was opening the match. We can see that everyone is dedicated. The atmosphere the team showed today. It must be easy for everyone,” he said.“I feel Sanju Bhai has shown his character. The whole team has shown their character,” he added.While the batsmen dominated the headlines, Abhishek also praised the Indian bowlers for laying the foundations for an emphatic win. New Zealand finished on 198/3 with Daryl Mitchell remaining unbeaten on 89 from 52 balls, but India managed to keep the target within reach.Abhishek lauded the efforts of Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy whose contributions helped India start their record chase.“The way the bowlers came back, Akshar Paaji, Bhuvi Paaji, Arsh, Prince and especially NK who is a complete all-rounder. That’s why the total was low today. And we were able to play like that,” he said.