‘One or two bad runs won’t define our batting’: Abhishek Sharma sends clear message after India’s win over Afghanistan
Abhishek Sharma (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Man of the match Abhishek Sharma on Sunday said that one or two bad series cannot define the Indian cricket team. Abhishek smashed 82 in the first T20I against Afghanistan, facilitating India’s 157-run chase at the Ferozeshah Kotla. India won by seven wickets to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.The left-handed batsman said India have a clear approach to being aggressive and trying to dominate the opposition, even if it doesn’t always work.
“One or two (bad) runs won’t define our batting”
India have been disappointing in their recent white-ball series against Ireland and England. They lost the T20I series in Ireland 0-2 before going down in the T20I and ODI series in England.However, Abhishek said the team will continue to trust his approach.“I still remember two years back, we decided we wanted to play a certain way and dominate all the teams. It worked for a year. But one or two (bad) series doesn’t define our batting. As an opener, you want to start well as an opener,” Sharma said.
Iyer credits Bumrah for setting the tone
India captain Shreyas Iyer described the victory as a collective effort and praised Jasprit Bumrah for the initial impetus.Bumrah struck in the first over by dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck. Arshdeep Singh and the spinners then continued the pressure as India restricted Afghanistan to 156/8.“Everyone worked in synergy. Bumrah is a big asset, he created momentum for everyone. Arshdeep (Singh) too. Varun (Chakravarthy) continued that with Axar (Patel).“The shots Abhishek played were flawless, exemplary. (Ishan) Kishan was in great form. He is very relaxed, calm and knows his game,” Iyer said of the wicket-keeper batsman, who scored 42 off 33 balls.
Afghanistan blames the low total
Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said his team failed to score enough.Afghanistan were in trouble before they recovered, but their total of 156/8 was not enough to bowl out India’s batting.“We batted well in the middle overs but we didn’t put up good scores. Their (Indian) bowlers and fielders did well, Kishan (me) getting run out was the turning point I think. They are the best fielders. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (not out for zero) didn’t have his day but he will come back stronger,” he hoped.
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