Abhishek Sharma Hails Sanju Samson for Giving Up Opening Spot for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in NZ T20Is

Wellington, Oct 28: India opener Abhishek Sharma has praised teammate Sanju Samson for giving up his opening slot to teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the third T20I against New Zealand, describing the move as a reflection of the team's selfless culture.

Abhishek smashed a sensational 38-ball 113 as India defeated New Zealand by six wickets, adding 133 runs in just seven overs with the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, who struck 45 off 19 balls.

Sooryavanshi - who replaced injured Ishan Kishan in the second and third T20I - batted at number three but was promoted to open batting in the third game.Samson voluntarily made way despite earning the Player of the Match award for his 61 in the second T20I.

"The way Sanju bhai batted in the last game, it is not easy to let go of one's familiar batting position. That showed his character, someone's going at his position. We can see in the team that everyone is selfless, everyone is happy for everyone, which is the hallmark of a great team," Abhishek told Sooryavanshi in a conversation facilitated by BCCI.TV.

Abhishek Sharma Hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Aggression

Abhishek, who smashed 11 sixes during his explosive innings, also credited Sooryavanshi for setting the tone with an aggressive start.

"When Vaibhav hit the first ball, he showed aggression. I saw that at the non-striker's end, and when you see such a shot, you also feel pumped up. So, special mention and credit to Vaibhav for how he played," the Indian opener said.

Abhishek also offered a glimpse into the teenager's relentless enthusiasm for batting, joking that it is difficult to get him out of the nets.

"If we have two nets, we give one to Vaibhav and tell him, 'Vaibhav, you play,'" he said.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Says Abhishek's Innings Left New Zealand Out of the Game

Sooryavanshi, meanwhile, admitted that he was in awe of Abhishek's remarkable hitting display, which put India firmly in control of the chase.

"How Abhishek bhai played, they were just thrown out of the game. Had the match not been aired live, then people in our village, by looking at the scorecard, would have commented that it must have been played on a rooftop," the youngster said.

The teenager also explained his approach after struggling to make an impact in the second T20I at Christchurch, where he managed only four runs off eight balls while batting at No. 3.

"Last match, I went against my grain as to how I play in T20s. During the third game, I wanted to give a quick start so that it becomes easy," Sooryavanshi said.

The partnership between Abhishek and Sooryavanshi underlined India's aggressive approach in the third T20I, while Samson's willingness to accommodate the youngster highlighted the team-first attitude that Abhishek believes is essential to a successful side.