India opener Abhishek Sharma revealed that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had promised to bat fearlessly, borrowing an iconic dialogue from the Bollywood film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, during a net session before the third T20I against New Zealand. The 15-year-old then delivered on his words with an explosive innings that helped India seal the series.Sooryavanshi told Abhishek he would play in the same manner as the character in the film, using the dialogue, “Bhaiya, khelunga bhi waise hi”, which translates to “Brother, I will play the same way”.The young left-hander lived up to his promise, smashing 45 off just 19 balls to give India a flying start in their chase of 199. Opening alongside Sooryavanshi, Abhishek went on to blast 113 off 38 deliveries as India cruised to a six-wicket victory in just 13.2 overs at the Hnry Stadium on Tuesday.Speaking in a video shared by the BCCI after the match, Abhishek recalled the conversation and credited Sooryavanshi’s aggressive start with helping set the tone for the chase.“Yesterday, Vaibhav told me something in the nets that I will play the same way as in the Milkha Singh movie Bhag Milkha Bhag dialogue ‘Bhaiya, khelunga bhi waise hi’,” Abhishek said.The India opener explained that Sooryavanshi’s intent was particularly significant against New Zealand’s frontline fast bowler. Watching from the non-striker’s end, Abhishek said the teenager’s aggression immediately lifted his confidence.“When you are chasing 200 or 190, his first ball, first over, is his main fast baller. And if you show such aggression as an opener. Because I was on the other side, so I saw that. On the first ball, the non-striker gets excited,” he said.Abhishek was quick to acknowledge the youngster’s contribution to the result, stressing that the opening partnership played a crucial role in India’s successful chase.“I feel special mention to Vaibhav. What he did today, I think, played a very crucial role today. So it goes to him,” he added.The pair’s onslaught rewrote the record books as India raced to 118 without losing a wicket in the powerplay, registering the highest team total in the first six overs of a men’s T20 International. India also reached 50 in just 2.2 overs, equalling the joint-fastest team fifty in the format, before crossing the 100-run mark inside five overs.Abhishek also highlighted the selfless attitude within the Indian dressing room, pointing to Sanju Samson‘s willingness to adjust his position in the batting order after opening in the first two matches.“One more thing. Sanju Bhai was opening the game. We can see that everyone is selfless. The atmosphere that the team showed today. It must be easy for everyone,” he said.“I feel like Sanju Bhai showed his character. The whole team showed their character,” he added.While the batters dominated the headlines, Abhishek also credited India’s bowlers for laying the foundation for the emphatic victory. New Zealand finished with 198/3, with Daryl Mitchell remaining unbeaten on 89 off 52 balls, but India managed to keep the target within reach.Abhishek praised the efforts of Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose contributions helped India launch their record-breaking chase.“The way the bowlers came back, Akshar Paaji, Bhuvi Paaji, Arsh, Prince, and NK especially, who is a complete all-rounder. Because of that, the total was low today. And we were able to play like this,” he said.
