Abhishek Sharma’s strategy of countering fast bowlers early proved successful in the fifth T20I against England, where he achieved a record-breaking century. The achievement held special significance as it would have pleased his mentor Yuvraj Singh.
Abhishek’s outstanding performance of 135 runs off 54 balls set new records for the second-fastest century and highest score by an Indian in T20Is. India secured a 150-run victory at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, winning the series 4-1.
“It’s a special one, coming for the country, always a great feeling. When I see it’s my day, I always try to go from the first ball. And the way the coach (Gautam Gambhir) and the captain (Suryakumar Yadav) have treated me from the first day.
“They’ve always wanted this intent, they’ve always backed me. When the opponents are bowling 140, 150-plus, you have to be ready a little earlier. Just react to the ball and play my shots. When you’re hitting a world-class bowler over the covers (off Jofra Archer), it’s always great, but I really liked the shots against (spinner) Adil Rashid as well.
“Probably he (mentor and former India batter Yuvraj Singh) should be happy today. He’s always wanted me to bat into the 15th, 20th over, and I’ve tried to implement that,” added Abhishek.
All-rounder Shivam Dube contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 30 runs and taking two important wickets.
“It feels great when you contribute as an all-rounder, which I have been doing for a long time. I was really excited to bowl. I could not do that in the last match, but I knew I would be bowling today.”
“He (Abhishek) told me the wicket was good, play your shots. I didn’t want to bring the run rate down, so I just played my shots. (Bowling coach) Morne Morkel has helped me with my angles. I got the opportunity today with the ball and I delivered well,” said Dube, who had recovered from a concussion in the previous match.
Player of the Series Varun Chakravarthy received appreciation for both his bowling and fielding efforts from the Wankhede crowd.
“I’m happy that the fielding also drew some applause, and the team has been emphasising on improving the fielding standards, and I’ve been working hard with the fielding coach.
“This is the best I’ve bowled, but lot of scope to improve, there were a few (bad) balls, I should not have bowled them. It was just the matter of bowling the right ball at the right time, that’s what I was working on.
“This is very special, I would like to dedicate it to my son and my wife and my parents. I’d like to thank Surya and GG (Gambhir) for backing me as well.”
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