Vaibhav Sooryavanshi drew inspiration from Bollywood’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag during the net session before India’s third T20 International against New Zealand on October 27. The young opening batter told Abhishek Sharma he would approach the match with the same fearless aggression embodied in the film’s iconic dialogue. Sooryavanshi’s words proved prophetic as he unleashed an attacking 45 off just 19 balls, setting the tone for India’s record-breaking chase at HNRY Stadium in Wellington.
Abhishek Sharma, who went on to score a sensational 113 off 38 deliveries, recalled the conversation with his opening partner and praised Sooryavanshi’s contribution to India’s six-wicket victory. India chased down New Zealand’s target of 199 in just 13.2 overs, with the opening pair putting on a masterclass in aggressive batting. Speaking about the match, Abhishek highlighted how Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach lifted the entire team’s confidence.
“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 in a video released by BCCI.
How did Sooryavanshi’s aggressive approach set the tone for India’s chase?
The left-hander explained how Sooryavanshi’s aggressive intent from the first ball created momentum that carried through the innings. When facing New Zealand’s frontline fast bowlers, showing such early aggression as an opener proved decisive. Abhishek observed the impact from the non-striker’s end, noting how the aggressive approach energised the batting order.
“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,” Abhishek said.
India’s opening stand of 133 runs dismantled New Zealand’s bowling attack with remarkable efficiency. The team reached 118 without loss in the powerplay, the highest-ever opening six overs in men’s T20 International cricket. India brought up 50 in just 2.2 overs, equalling the joint-fastest team fifty in the format, and crossed the 100-run mark in five overs.
“I feel special mention to Vaibhav. What he did today, I think, played a very crucial role today. So it goes to him,” Abhishek said.
What role did the opening partnership play in India’s record-breaking victory?
Abhishek praised the team’s selfless approach, particularly highlighting Sanju Samson’s willingness to adjust his role after opening in the previous two innings. The atmosphere created by the entire squad made the chase feel achievable for every batter. Samson’s character and flexibility set the tone for the collective effort that followed.
“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,” Abhishek said.
India’s bowlers had restricted New Zealand to 198 for 3, with Daryl Mitchell scoring an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls. Despite Mitchell’s aggressive innings, the Indian bowling unit executed their plans effectively. Abhishek singled out the contributions of Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy for their disciplined bowling.
“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,” Abhishek said.
