Before Team India’s first Twenty20 International against New Zealand in Christchurch, Indian batter Abhishek Sharma gave a motivational speech that had a hint of Punjabi culture. With five wickets remaining, India managed to chase down 226, their highest-ever in T20Is, thanks to a 93-run partnership between Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma and a blazing 15-ball 42* by Naman. Abhishek’s rapid 12-ball 29 was crucial in giving India a 1-0 lead.
After New Zealand scored 225 for 4 wickets, their greatest total in home Twenty20 Internationals, India faced a target of 226 runs. Alongside Sanju Samson, Abhishek started the innings and struck right away, striking the opening ball for six. Samson scored 67 off 33 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes, while Abhishek scored 29 off 12 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes, before being caught at short third. Together, the opening pair amassed 93 runs in 35 balls.
In a BCCI video, Abhishek stated that the squad played the West Indies as if they were their friends and made a few blunders during their 2-2 draw at home. He inspired the group to demonstrate their world championship status to the Kiwis.
In a video, Abhishek said, “Few things from my side. I think against West Indies we did few mistakes, that we played them as our friends. I think same with these guys. They (NZ) are going to challenge us in that way as well. So, let us show them why we are world champions. We are going to dominate here, and we are going to win from the very first game.”
In addition to the English-language speech, Abhishek energised the team with a traditional Punjabi rhyme. As Abhishek added cultural pride to the pre-match training, head coach Gautam Gambhir and the entire squad responded with smiles, laughter, and applause. With passion, he recited the inspirational slogan and explained its importance to the team’s mentality.
He added, “And in Punjabi we say, if we rhyme well, we will perform well. So, Bari Barsi Khatan Gaya Si, Khatke Leanda Hand… Bari Barsi Khatan Gaya Si, Khatke Leanda Hand… Chalo Aaj Aapa Pehla Jitiye Match In New Zealand!”
