NEW DELHI: Player of the Match Abhishek Sharma said on Sunday that one or two poor series cannot define the Indian cricket team. Abhishek smashed 82 in the first T20I against Afghanistan and made India’s 157-run chase look easy at the Ferozeshah Kotla. India won by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.The left-handed batter said India have a clear approach of playing aggressively and looking to dominate the opposition, even if it does not always work.
‘One or two (bad) series won’t define our batting’
India had a disappointing run in their recent white-ball series against Ireland and England. They lost the T20I series in Ireland 0-2 before going down in both the T20I and ODI series in England.Abhishek, however, said the team would continue to trust its approach.“I still remember two years back, we decided we want to play a certain way and dominate all teams. It worked for a year. But one or two (bad) series won’t define our batting. As openers, you want to give a good start as an opener,” said Sharma.
Iyer credits Bumrah for setting the tone
India captain Shreyas Iyer described the win as a collective effort and praised Jasprit Bumrah for providing the early momentum.Bumrah struck in the first over by dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck. Arshdeep Singh and the spinners then kept the pressure on as India restricted Afghanistan to 156/8.“Everyone worked in synergy. Bumrah is a great asset, he created momentum for all. Arshdeep (Singh) too. Varun (Chakravarthy) continued that with Axar (Patel).“The shots Abhishek played were flawless, exemplary. (Ishan) Kishan has been in great form. He’s very relaxed, calm and knows his game,” said Iyer of the wicketkeeper-batter, who scored 42 off 33 balls.
Afghanistan blame low total
Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said his team failed to score enough runs.Afghanistan were in trouble early before making a recovery, but their total of 156/8 was not enough against India’s batting.“We batted well in the middle overs but didn’t put up a good score. Their (Indian) bowlers and fielders did well, that run out by Kishan (of me) was the turning point I think. They’re the best fielding side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (out for zero) didn’t have his day, but he will come back stronger,” he hoped.
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