IND vs NZ 2026: 'Following his footsteps' - Abhishek Sharma on carrying forward Rohit Sharma's legacy as T20I opener

Opener Abhishek Sharmarecently spoke on following batting stalwart Rohit Sharma's footsteps in terms of batting at a high tempo at the top of the order in 20-over cricket. The left-handed batter has been a revelation as the opening batter for India in the shortest format of the game, registering 1199 runs in 33 innings at a strike rate of 190.92.

The southpaw commented on the coach-captain duo expecting Abhishek to play similarly to Rohit's style from the moment the latter retired from the format

in 2024. The Punjab cricketer further noted that he was happy to be a contributing part of the team.

"Rohit bhai has done a lot for the country. 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 attacking manner and do well for India," shared Abhishek while speaking on JioHotstar's 'Cricket Live'.

The Amritsar-born was honest in admitting that he had some way to go to fully develop himself as an efficient top-order batter in the shortest format. Abhishek remarked that his primary aim has always been to provide good starts to the team.

"I would not 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 practicing 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, he added.

Abhishek's comments came shortly after he claimed the Player of the Match award for his 35-ball 84-run knock against New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series. Indiaeventually won against the Kiwis by a 48-run margin in Nagpur. The second T20I is scheduled to be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur on January 23.