India's young opener, Abhishek Sharma displayed a mix of attacking intent and calmness through his match-winning knock of 79 off 34 balls against England in the first T20I in Kolkata. After the game, the southpaw mentioned the confidence given to him by the team management, which has allowed him to play a fearless brand of cricket.

India’s five-match T20I series against England kicked off at the iconic Eden Gardens, and fiery innings was one of the key points of the host's seven-wicket win. Chasing 133, the Men in Blue were struggling after the dismissals of Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav.

However, the youngster's fearless approach took the game away from England. Smashing five fours and eight sixes, he dismantled the English attack, particularly targeting Mark Wood and Adil Rashid. When asked about his approach, Abhishek credited the team environment for his clarity. 

"I have thought always from the start to be a team player. In India there will always be a lot of competition [when it comes to selection] in our senior team. But when Suryakumar and Gautam paaji tell me to always keep my intent, that was a big moment for me, that when the team wants me to do that, then I can do it," Abhishek said in the post-match press conference.

He revealed that the head coach and captain have managed the players brilliantly, giving appropriate guidance and providing confidence even when performance hasn't been as expected.

"As a batsman it can play on your mind if you don't score runs in 3-4-5 innings, but the way the coach and captain have managed all the players, even when I've not done well - even then they tell us, 'we know you're gonna win the game for us, any game, just go and express yourself. I think when the captain or coach says this, you get confidence and you back yourself," he added.

The Punjab batter who continues to closely work with iconic Indian all-rounder, Yuvraj Singh, credited the former for his guidance. He also credited West Indian legend and current head coach of SRH for performing the role of mentor. 

"I believe I'm very lucky in this. I've been working with Yuvi paaji at first. Going forward, I had Brian Lara, who really helped me at SRH. Moving forward, Dan Vettori was pretty simple, he just wanted everyone to express themselves, and I think that gave me the freedom to play my shots. So obviously with Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara and even Gauti bhai right now, they just want me to showcase my talent the way I play and to back myself," Abhishek further added.

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Abhishek also credited batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar for their role in replicating match scenarios during training. 

"Special mention to Kotzy sir [Sitanshu Kotak] and Abhishek Nayar bhai. Both helped me in the nets to get me similar bowlers. I always believe that going into a match or a particular tournament, I hope I get similar bowlers that I will get in the match. Shot selection is very simple for me. I watch the ball and react," the southpaw concluded.