India's preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 continued to take shape with a series-opening win over New Zealand, and at the centre of that evolving blueprint is Abhishek Sharma's clearly defined role at the top of the order.
Speaking on JioHotstar's Amul Cricket Live, the India opener offered insight into how the team is approaching the five-match T20I series - not just as a bilateral contest, but as a key testing group ahead of their World Cup title defence at home and in Sri Lanka. For Abhishek, the mandate is direct: attack early, establish intent, and set the rhythm for the innings.
Reflecting on his own development, Abhishek made it clear that he still views himself as a work in progress, even as his responsibilities grow. "I
wouldn't say I am fully matured yet, because there is always room to improve. But I feel my job is to play aggressive cricket in the first six overs.
"I have been practising a lot for that. I know if I give a good start or show good intent early, the team can follow that momentum. That is what I always think about. "
That clarity of role has become central to India's T20 strategy, where powerplay dominance often dictates the course of a match.
Abhishek Sharma carrying forward Rohit Sharma's Legacy
Abhishek acknowledged that opening for India comes with an inherited standard, shaped over the years by Rohit Sharma's impact at the top. The pressure to replicate those explosive starts, he admitted, is real - but also motivating.
"Rohit bhai has done a lot for the country," he said. "There is always pressure because of the starts he used to give in the powerplay. When I came into the team, the coach and captain wanted the same from me. I felt it suited my style too because I love to attack from the first few balls.
"So, I think I have been following in Rohit bhai's footsteps, and I am really happy to play in this manner and do well for India. "
Rather than forcing a reinvention, Abhishek sees his natural attacking instinct as an extension of the template already proven at the highest level.
Ind vs NZ practice for the World Cup
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Abhishek stressed the importance of readiness across venues and bowling styles. "For the upcoming T20 World Cup, I have been practising for that too. I know we will play all over India in different conditions against different teams, so preparation is key. "
He also pointed out why the powerplay overs remain central to his approach. "I feel I have to play this way because in most teams, the main bowlers bowl the first few overs. If I score runs in those overs, it helps the team follow that momentum. It also puts the bowlers under pressure. Once that happens, I feel they are playing into my plan, and I can execute it. "
