India opener Abhishek Sharma has revealed that his recent success is deeply rooted in how closely he mirrors match situations during net practice. Following his explosive performance against New Zealand, the left-hander explained that he no longer treats net sessions as routine batting drills.
Instead, he consciously recreates real-game challenges by facing bowlers who resemble those he is likely to encounter in matches.
According to Abhishek, preparation begins well before match day. He makes a deliberate effort to identify bowlers in the nets who can imitate the opposition’s attack in terms of pace, movement, and angles. This approach allows him to stay mentally and technically prepared for the variety of challenges thrown at him during competitive games, particularly at the international level.
Adapting to Reduced Pace and Smart Bowling Plans
Abhishek admitted that one of the biggest learnings from recent matches was understanding how opposition teams are adjusting their strategies against him. With bowlers increasingly avoiding raw pace and relying more on swing and smart field placements, he realised the need to adapt quickly.
“It is all about the preparation I do before a match. I try to get similar bowlers to bowl at me in the nets. For every bowler in the other team, I find someone similar to practice against,” he said.
He further added, “I ask them to bowl outswingers, inswingers, and use the new ball. I also ask them to take certain fielders out for me.”
Reflecting on recent outings, Abhishek acknowledged, “I know, especially going into the World Cup and any match, they won’t give me a lot of pace. I realised that in the last few games, so I have been working on it.”
Technical Tweaks and Mindset for Aggressive Cricket
Beyond situational awareness, Abhishek also spoke about subtle technical changes that have enhanced his timing and control. He highlighted adjustments to his back lift, ensuring better bat flow without disturbing his natural grip. These refinements, combined with mental clarity, have helped him maintain consistency while playing attacking cricket.
“If you want to play aggressive cricket, you have to be prepared for different situations all the time,” Abhishek stated, underlining the mindset required at the highest level.
His methodical preparation, attention to detail, and willingness to evolve have played a key role in his recent run of form, making him one of India’s most exciting batting prospects heading into major tournaments.
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