India opener reveals key to top-order success prior to T20WC

India star and No.1 ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma has revealed the keys behind his recent success in the shortest format just weeks out from the start of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Abhishek displayed his prowess with a Player of the Match performance in the first T20I between India and New Zealand in Nagpur on Wednesday, with the left-hander smashing eight sixes in an innings of 84 from just 35 deliveries that netted the side a comfortable 48-run triumph.

It was a mix of power-hitting and stylish strokeplay that stood out from Abhishek, with the 25-year-old taking a liking to New Zealand seamers Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson and Kristian Clarke early in his innings and just as damaging once past 50 as he cleared the rope against spin duo Mitch Santner and Ish Sodhi as India posted a match-winning total of 238/7 after they lost the toss and were sent into bat first.

The match was the first time Abhishek has played against New Zealand at international level and the in-form batter revealed he had watched plenty of footage in the lead-up to get ready to face their quality bowling attack.

"If you watch videos (of bowlers) or if you watch your batting videos as well, you get an idea that where the bowler is planning to bowl to you or maybe where I'm going to play my shots," Abhishek said post-match.

"But it's always about me backing my shots because I don't have a lot of shots. It's just a few shots. I'm going to practice a lot and just execute it."

Abhishek's strong form bodes well for India ahead of their T20 World Cup defence that commences against USA on February 7, with the side currently finalising their preparations with a further four matches coming later this month against the Black Caps prior to the 20-over showcase.

Seamer Arshdeep Singh got the chance to show his wares prior to the T20 World Cup when he shared the new-ball against the Kiwis in Nagpur and the left-armer experienced mixed results as he claimed the big wicket of Devon Conway in his very first over to finish with decent figures of 1/31 from his four overs.

It remains to be seen whether Arshdeep will hold on to his new-ball role when the T20 World Cup commences next month, with the 26-year-old admitting he is doing everything he can to be ready if called upon by selectors.

"I try to be ready all the time, whenever the team gives me a chance," Arshdeep said after the victory over New Zealand.

"Whether it is a new-ball, an old-ball, or any other format, I try to be ready all the time and give my best whenever I get a chance,

"The things that are not in my hands and not in my control I should not focus too much on them. But the things that are in my control and in my hands I should do that and just enjoy."

Series schedule:

First T20I: January 21, Nagpur (India won by 48 runs)
Second T20I: January 23, Raipur
Third T20I: January 25, Guwahati
Fourth T20I: January 28, Visakhapatnam
Fifth T20I: January 31, Thiruvananthapuram