Chennai, Feb 27 (NationPress) Abhishek Sharma's methodical batting through the 'V' zone, where he scored 55—marking his inaugural fifty in the Men's T20 World Cup—was a positive transformation in his style, according to former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan. This insight came after India triumphed over Zimbabwe by 72 runs during their Super Eights match at MA Chidambaram Stadium.

“What impressed me about Abhishek Sharma’s innings was his ability to play in the V (from mid-on to mid-off). A remarkable 68 percent of his runs came from that area, showcasing a refreshing change from a player typically inclined to bat square. The pitch conditions contributed, alongside some subpar bowling from Zimbabwe,” Pathan commented on JioStar.

Pathan expressed his support for India's strategy of employing a left-right batting combination at the top, though he had some reservations about Ishan Kishan batting at number three. “I’m curious to see how this left-right strategy unfolds for Team India. While I wouldn't have chosen Ishan Kishan for the number three spot, I understand the rationale behind the Indian team’s decision-making,” he noted.

“I was somewhat surprised that Sikandar Raza didn’t bowl earlier. It appeared he was waiting for the powerplay to conclude, but he should have bowled as soon as Ishan Kishan came to the crease. This would have been a more effective approach. The Indian management aimed to avoid consecutive left-handers, and this strategy paid off,” he added.

On Arshdeep Singh’s performance, which included figures of 3-24, Pathan expressed satisfaction with the left-arm pacer’s consistent line. “Arshdeep’s first delivery was slightly short, but he quickly demonstrated to the batsman that he could bowl short. Chennai’s pitch is quite bare, offering little grass and swing, yet he adeptly targeted the stumps thereafter,” he elaborated.

“He set up the batsmen excellently. We often discuss Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional pitch reading, and Arshdeep is not far behind. He employed the old ball effectively, ensuring he frequently targeted the stumps,” Pathan continued.

“He also bowled Yorkers, understanding that in matches like those against the West Indies, he might need to bowl defensively. I was genuinely pleased with Arshdeep’s performance in this match,” he concluded.

Tilak Varma, who scored an unbeaten 44, shared insights about his batting technique after being moved to the middle order. “I focused on my fundamentals without overthinking. I isolated myself in my room, communicating only with my family and a close friend,” he remarked.

“I revisited my old footage, knowing it just required one good innings to regain my confidence and form. I assured my family that one solid performance could lead to me contributing significantly to the team,” he added.

Tilak also mentioned a batters meeting that fostered a positive attitude towards their aggressive batting strategy. “Prior to the match, Hardik bhai, Surya bhai, and the other batters discussed adapting our play to the team's needs and the match situation,” he explained.

“There wasn’t a focus on specific batting orders. We are adaptable and can take on any position required by the team. Everyone is encouraged to express themselves freely and take risks while in play,” he said.

“The intention was to maintain a positive mindset and enjoy the game. At worst, you might get out, but it’s essential that the bowlers can see our readiness to attack every delivery. That was our collective mentality,” he concluded.

Sanjay Bangar, a former batting coach for India, praised Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett, who scored a remarkable 97 and remained not out throughout his innings. “What stood out about Brian Bennett is his unwavering desire to remain at the crease. He embodies the essence of a player who wishes to bat continuously—a bit reminiscent of Pujara’s style. He thrived on long innings,” Bangar noted.

“In this game, Bennett was a bit more assertive. Earlier matches exhibited his cautious approach, but here he was willing to take risks, and many of them paid off. He may have found an additional level in his T20 game, especially while chasing significant totals,” he pointed out.

“He came closer to what would have been a remarkable century. Overall, if Zimbabwe cricket aims to progress, Brian Bennett will be crucial to their batting lineup,” he concluded.