India’s young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made a bold promise to Abhishek Sharma before the third T20I against New Zealand, and he certainly lived up to it. After India’s emphatic victory, Abhishek revealed that the 14-year-old had drawn inspiration from the iconic Bollywood film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag during a net session, promising to bat with the same fearless approach.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s ‘Khelunga Bhi Waise Hi’ Promise
- Abhishek Sharma Credits Sooryavanshi for His Explosive Knock
- India Create History With Record-Breaking Powerplay
- Abhishek Praises India’s Selfless Team Environment
- Abhishek Gives Credit to India’s Bowlers
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Fearless Approach Wins Praise
The conversation took place ahead of India’s series-clinching win, in which Sooryavanshi smashed an explosive 45 off just 19 balls, while Abhishek Sharma delivered a sensational 113 off 38 deliveries. India chased down New Zealand’s target of 199 in just 13.2 overs, winning the match by six wickets at the Hnry Stadium on Tuesday.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s ‘Khelunga Bhi Waise Hi’ Promise
Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the match, Abhishek recalled his conversation with Sooryavanshi during their net session.
The youngster reportedly invoked a famous dialogue from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, telling Abhishek that he would play in the same fearless manner.
“Yesterday, Vaibhav told me something in the nets that I will play the same way as in the Milkha Singh movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag dialogue, ‘Bhaiya, khelunga bhi waise hi’,” Abhishek said.
The dialogue, which translates to “Brother, I will play the same way,” perfectly reflected Sooryavanshi’s aggressive mindset. The young batter backed up his words with an impressive performance, taking on New Zealand’s bowling attack from the very beginning.
Abhishek Sharma Credits Sooryavanshi for His Explosive Knock
Abhishek also explained how Sooryavanshi’s attacking approach at the start of the innings helped boost his confidence at the other end.
Chasing a target close to 200 can put pressure on any batting side, but the youngster’s fearless start gave India the momentum they needed. Sooryavanshi attacked New Zealand’s frontline fast bowler in the opening over, immediately putting the opposition under pressure.
“When you are chasing 200 or 190, his first ball, first over, is his main fast baller. And if you show such aggression as an opener… because I was on the other side, so I saw that. On the first ball, the non-striker gets excited,” Abhishek explained.
The Indian opener also made sure to give Sooryavanshi special credit for his contribution.
“I feel special mention to Vaibhav. What he did today, I think, played a very crucial role today. So it goes to him,” he added.
Sooryavanshi’s innings proved to be the perfect launchpad for Abhishek, who went on to produce one of the most explosive performances of his career.
India Create History With Record-Breaking Powerplay
The opening partnership between Abhishek and Sooryavanshi left New Zealand’s bowling attack struggling to find answers. India raced to 118 without losing a wicket in the powerplay, recording the highest-ever team total in the first six overs of a men’s T20 International.
The team also reached 50 runs in just 2.2 overs, equalling the joint-fastest team fifty in the format, before crossing the 100-run mark in only five overs.
Abhishek’s incredible 113 off 38 balls, combined with Sooryavanshi’s quickfire 45, helped India complete the chase in just 13.2 overs.
Abhishek Praises India’s Selfless Team Environment
Beyond the explosive batting display, Abhishek also praised the team’s selfless approach. He highlighted Sanju Samson’s willingness to adjust his role after opening in the previous two innings.
“One more thing. Sanju Bhai was opening the game. We can see that everyone is selfless. The atmosphere that the team showed today. It must be easy for everyone,” Abhishek said.
He further praised Samson for showing his character and putting the team’s needs ahead of individual preferences.
“I feel like Sanju Bhai showed his character. The whole team showed their character,” he added.
Abhishek’s comments highlighted the importance of team unity and flexibility, particularly in a format where players are often required to adapt quickly to different situations.
Abhishek Gives Credit to India’s Bowlers
While India’s batting performance grabbed the headlines, Abhishek also acknowledged the contribution of the bowlers. New Zealand had managed to post 198/3, with Daryl Mitchell scoring an unbeaten 89 off 52 deliveries.
However, India’s bowlers made important contributions to keep the target within reach. Abhishek specifically praised Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy for their efforts.
“The way the bowlers came back, Akshar Paaji, Bhuvi Paaji, Arsh, Prince, and NK especially, who is a complete all-rounder. Because of that, the total was low today. And we were able to play like this,” he said.
India’s victory showcased the strength of the team’s collective effort, with the bowlers setting up the chase and the openers delivering a remarkable batting performance.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Fearless Approach Wins Praise
Sooryavanshi’s performance against New Zealand once again highlighted his fearless approach to T20 cricket. At just 14, the youngster showed remarkable confidence against an experienced international bowling attack.
His promise to Abhishek, inspired by Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, became a memorable moment after he delivered exactly the kind of aggressive performance he had spoken about.
With Abhishek Sharma’s explosive century and Sooryavanshi’s impressive start, India produced a dominant display to secure the third T20I and clinch the series.
The match also offered a glimpse into the confidence and camaraderie within the Indian team, where young players are encouraged to play fearlessly while keeping the team’s success above individual achievements.
