I don’t have a lot of shots: Abhishek keeps it simple to stay lethal in T20I cricket

India’s top-ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma underlined the value of simplicity in the shortest format after his match-winning 84 against New Zealand in Nagpur, saying his success comes from backing a limited range of shots and executing them with clarity just weeks ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The left-hander underlined his dominance with a Player of the Match performance in the opening T20I on Wednesday, blasting eight sixes and five fours, to power India to a commanding 48-run win.

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Abhishek combined brute power with fluent strokeplay, taking apart New Zealand’s pace attack early in his innings before maintaining the momentum against spin. He targeted seamers Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson and Kristian Clarke during the powerplay, and continued his assault after crossing fifty by clearing the ropes against spinners Mitch Santner and Ish Sodhi. Comeback man Rinku Singh also came up with an audacious 44 off 20 balls to give the finishing touch to India’s imposing 238/7 after being sent in to bat.

Facing New Zealand at the international level for the first time, the 25-year-old said preparation played a key role in helping him counter their bowling attack.

“If you watch videos (of bowlers) or if you watch your batting videos as well, you get an idea that where the bowler is planning to bowl to you or maybe where I’m going to play my shots,” Abhishek said after the match.

“But it’s always about me backing my shots because I don’t have a lot of shots. It’s just a few shots. I’m going to practice a lot and just execute it.”

Abhishek’s form is a timely boost for India as they build towards the defence of their T20 World Cup title, which begins against the USA on February 7. The ongoing five-match series against New Zealand forms a crucial part of India’s final preparations ahead of the global event.

The Nagpur match also provided an opportunity for seamer Arshdeep Singh to stake his claim ahead of the World Cup. Sharing the new ball, the left-arm pacer struck early by dismissing Devon Conway in his first over and finished with figures of 1/31 from four overs.

With competition for spots intense, Arshdeep said his focus remains on being ready whenever the team needs him. “I try to be ready all the time, whenever the team gives me a chance,” Arshdeep said.

“Whether it is a new-ball, an old-ball, or any other format, I try to be ready all the time and give my best whenever I get a chance. The things that are not in my hands and not in my control I should not focus too much on them. But the things that are in my control and in my hands I should do that and just enjoy,” the Punjab seamer quipped.

After earning a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, India will be looking to continue the momentum when they take on the BlackCaps in the second match in Raipur on Friday. With very little turnaround time, both sides will barely have anything to experiment with but considering the dimensions of the boundaries (75 to 80 metres) at the Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, the role of spinners becomes crucial.

India will be wary of vice-captain Axar Patel’s injury scare, and may allow the spinning all-rounder to rest for the match, although no official update on his injury has been provided by the BCCI as of now. On Wednesday, Axar injured his index finger while attempting to catch a shot from Daryl Mitchell off his own bowling, and later left the field after his finger began bleeding, leaving Abhishek Sharma to complete his over.