“Aapne kaha windy Wellington, unhone New Zealand ki hawa nikaal di” – Murali Kartik on Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s partnership

Former India player Murali Kartik has lauded Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi for stitching together a belligerent partnership in the third T20I against New Zealand. He noted that the duo’s aggression virtually deflated the Kiwi bowlers.

New Zealand set India a 199-run target in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27. Abhishek and Vaibhav then added 133 runs for the first wicket in just 7.1 overs as the Men in Blue achieved the target with six wickets and 40 balls to spare.

During a discussion on Sony Sports, Kartik pointed out that Abhishek and Suryavanshi’s assault made the New Zealand bowlers virtually helpless.

“After such batting, when a new batter comes and defends two balls, you say what batting he is doing. It was unbelievable batting. I feel very sad when I see bowlers getting hit so badly. I was feeling happy because the match was ending early, but I always feel for the bowlers. How do you escape?” the former India spinner said.

“Aapne kaha windy Wellington, unhone New Zealand ki hawa nikaal di. 50 in 14 balls and 100 in five overs. I was seeing the speeds, lengths, and lines – they tried all ploys, and there was only one result, either a four or a six. It becomes very difficult as a bowler,” he added.

Murali Kartik opined that Mitchell Santner‘s only option would have been to introduce himself earlier into the attack. He reasoned that the New Zealand captain has been the best bowler in the series.

“Everyone needs a sounding board” – Murali Kartik on Abhishek Sharma mentoring Vaibhav Suryavanshi

In the same discussion, Murali Kartik was asked about Abhishek Sharma mentoring Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

“It’s very important. Everyone needs a sounding board, and everyone needs a player you can take along. It’s a very different world. Whoever reaches that level, you are in awe of all the players, and you want to feel comfortable in that environment,” he responded.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that although Suryavanshi has enjoyed success in the Indian Premier League, playing for India is different.

“He is 15 years old. He might have played in the IPL, which is a place where you meet a lot of people, but India is different. When you play for your country, you are picked from a cream, and you want to feel comfortable there. It felt good that he did the job of a mentor. He said very lovingly that they don’t want him to feel any pressure,” Kartik observed.

Abhishek Sharma smashed 113 runs off 38 balls, a knock studded with nine fours and 11 sixes. Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a 19-ball 45 with the help of four fours and as many sixes.

Edited by Kartik Iyer