Abhishek Sharma starred with the bat for India as they defeated England in the first T20I of the five-match series in Kolkata by 7 wickets on January 22. However, the main work was done by the Indian bowlers, especially Varun Chakaravarthy.
Though Abhishek Sharma hammered 79 runs with 8 sixes and 5 fours as India chased down the 133-run target with ease, the batter decided to give all the credit for the win to spinner Varun, who was the Player of the Match for his 3/23 in 4 overs.
After Arshdeep Singh had sent back England openers for cheap, a partnership was built between Jos Buttler and Harry Brook. But Varun turned the tide in India's favor by dismissing Liam Livingstone and Harry Brook in three deliveries.
He then returned to take the wicket of Buttler as well, whose 68-run knock helped England to 132 runs in 20 overs.
"If you look at the last few series, Varun has been our game changer. In T20 cricket, where good batting conditions are common, having a bowler you can rely on is crucial. Opponents find it difficult to pick him, and even our other spinners, Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel, have been equally effective," Sharma said in the post-match media interaction in Kolkata.
As he blasted a blistering 79 off 34 balls at the top, Sharma praised coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav for letting him play his natural game.
"Obviously, as a batsman, it comes to your mind when 3-4-5 innings don't go well, but the coach and the captain managed all the players; even though I didn't do well, they still said we know you are going to win the game for us, any game, and just go and express yourself," Sharma said.
"When a captain or a coach says something like this, obviously there is a bit of confidence, and you've got to back yourself up. I always thought that when captain Surya Paaji or Gautam Paaji always told me that the way you intend to play, we're going to back you, I think that's a big moment for me. I felt that the team is showing so much confidence in me, and I should just continue it,” he added.
When asked to describe his fearless style, Sharma credited his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
"At SRH, I was fortunate to have a supportive environment where the coaches and senior players encouraged us to express ourselves. I carried that approach into the IPL and now in the Indian team, where the message has always been to go out and play with freedom,” he said.
Sharma also talked about how mentors like Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara, and Daniel Vettori have shaped his hitting. Sharma attributed his audacious aerial shots to his workout regimen.
"They all just want me to showcase my talent the way I play and just back myself. Before any tournament, I focus on facing bowlers who replicate match scenarios. Kotzi sir (batting coach Sitanshu Kotak) and Nayar bhai (Abhishek Nayar) have been instrumental in ensuring I get similar bowlers at practice as it helps me stay prepared,” Sharma said.
On shot selection, he said: "It's very simple for me; I just watch the ball and react, and that's been the plan for me, and for Sanju (Samson) bhai as well, we just want to go and watch the ball and express ourselves and just play our shots."
The second T20I between India and England will be played in Chennai on Saturday, January 25.
(ANI inputs)