India opener Abhishek Sharma said he had to find ways to counter West Indies’ plans against him after smashing a 30-ball 69 in the third T20I. His explosive knock helped India secure a 14-run win and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Abhishek explained how West Indies’ decision to open with off-spinner Roston Chase and pack the off side forced him to explore different scoring options.
“I wouldn’t say it was deliberate, but it was there in my mind that they had a plan against me,” Abhishek said.
“With the off-spinner bowling against me, it was just a battle between him and me. I gave him respect in the first over because he is bowling really well in this series.”
The left-hander, who struck six fours and five sixes, said his shots came from reading the field rather than deliberately targeting a particular area. He added that he had to find ways to score during the powerplay despite West Indies’ plans to contain him.
HOW ABHISHEK OUTSMARTED WEST INDIES
India posted 223 before restricting West Indies to 209 for seven, with Abhishek’s 69 and his 108-run stand with Ishan Kishan setting up the win. Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets, but India remained wary of a side capable of turning games around quickly.
“West Indies is such a team that you can never say that the match is now on our side,” Abhishek said.
“We were saying that we would be ruthless thereon and we will not give them a single chance to come back.”
Abhishek also spoke about Shamar Springer’s late hitting, acknowledging West Indies’ ability to fight back even after losing early wickets. He backed Naman Dhir, who took 2/39, to do well for India in the coming years, having watched him bowl since their Under-14 days.
“You have to just tell him the plan; probably a bowler doesn’t think too much at that moment when he has got hit for two sixes back-to-back,” Abhishek said.
CAN INDIA SEAL THE SERIES?
Abhishek also spoke about his understanding with Kishan, with whom he has shared several partnerships in the IPL. He said he tries to make Kishan laugh and relax at the crease, allowing both batters to enjoy their partnership rather than overthink conditions.
Preparation, Abhishek added, remains central to his aggressive approach, particularly when it comes to making the most of the powerplay. His plans are shaped by the opposition and the bowlers he expects to face.
“The preparation is really important,” Abhishek said. “If I just utilise the powerplay and if I want to continue doing that, the preparation really matters.”
India will now look to seal the five-match series when they face West Indies in the fourth T20I at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 14. The match will begin at 7 PM IST, with the fifth and final T20I scheduled for October 17 in Bengaluru.
– Ends
