Abhishek Sharma Credits Gambhir For Rohit-Like Powerplay Approach

India opener Abhishek Sharma has revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav encouraged him to adopt the aggressive “Rohit Sharma role” during T20I powerplays, a template he says suits his natural game. The 25-year-old said he has consciously tried to emulate the intent shown by former skipper Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, particularly in the first six overs.

Since making his T20I debut in July 2024, Abhishek’s attacking approach has delivered consistent results. His high-impact starts have propelled him to the top of the ICC T20I batting rankings, with 1,199 runs in 34 matches, including two centuries and seven half-centuries, at a strike rate of 190.92. The left-hander said the clarity around his role has been a key factor in his success.

Speaking about Rohit Sharma’s influence, Abhishek acknowledged the pressure that comes with replicating the kind of starts Rohit regularly provided for India. He said both Gambhir and Suryakumar made it clear that the team expected similar intent from him, and he embraced the responsibility as it aligned with his instinct to attack from the outset.

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Abhishek added that while he does not consider himself a finished product, his focus remains on aggressive cricket in the powerplay. He said he spends considerable time practising shots and scenarios that help him dominate early overs, believing that strong starts allow the rest of the batting lineup to build momentum.

With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, Abhishek said his preparation has become more specific. He has been practising against bowlers who replicate the styles he expects to face in the tournament, including swing bowlers with the new ball and those who rely on variations and reduced pace.

The opener also credited technical adjustments, particularly a higher back lift, for improving his timing and flow. He said the change has helped him counter bowlers who take pace off the ball, a tactic he expects teams to use against him more frequently as the tournament approaches.

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