India opener Abhishek Sharma revealed how he countered West Indies' strategy to contain him after his explosive 30-ball 69 helped India win the third T20I by 14 runs. The victory gave India a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with the left-hander explaining how he adapted to the opposition's bowling plans rather than relying on power alone.
West Indies opened with off-spinner Roston Chase and packed the off side in an apparent attempt to limit Abhishek's scoring opportunities. The Indian batter said he was aware of the plan and approached the early overs with patience before looking for scoring options.
Abhishek struck six fours and five sixes during his innings. He explained that he respected Chase's bowling in the opening over before adjusting his approach to find gaps and make the most of the powerplay.
How Abhishek Sharma Read West Indies' Strategy
Abhishek acknowledged that the presence of an off-spinner and the field placement influenced his decisions at the crease. Rather than deliberately targeting one particular area, he focused on reading the field and identifying opportunities to score.
His innings proved crucial to India's total of 223. Abhishek also shared a 108-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, giving the hosts a strong platform in the third match.
West Indies responded with an aggressive chase, finishing on 209 for seven. Arshdeep Singh took three wickets, while Naman Dhir claimed two wickets for 39 runs as India held on to secure the win.
India Determined to Avoid a West Indies Comeback
Despite the victory, Abhishek stressed that West Indies remain a dangerous opponent capable of changing a match quickly. He pointed to the team's late hitting, including Shamar Springer's contribution, as a reminder that India could not afford to relax even after taking control.
Abhishek said the Indian team wanted to remain ruthless and avoid giving the opposition opportunities to recover. He also backed Naman Dhir, saying he had seen the all-rounder's bowling since their Under-14 days and believed he could perform well for India in the coming years.
Preparation Key to Abhishek's Aggressive Batting
The opener also highlighted his understanding with Ishan Kishan, with whom he has shared several partnerships in the Indian Premier League. Abhishek said he tries to keep Kishan relaxed and smiling at the crease, helping both batters enjoy their partnership rather than overthink the situation.
He added that preparation remains central to his aggressive approach, particularly when maximising the powerplay. His plans depend on the opposition and the bowlers he expects to face.
India will look to seal the series in the fourth T20I against West Indies at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 14. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 PM IST, with the fifth and final T20I set for October 17 in Bengaluru.
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