WATCH: Abhishek Sharma’s Punjabi Pep Talk to Team India

  • October 23, 2026

India aims to broaden their advantage in the five-game T20I fixture versus New Zealand as both sides clash during the second encounter at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Prior to the game, Indian top-order batter Abhishek Sharma gave an inspiring address to the squad, incorporating a Punjabi flair that sparked giggles and cheer throughout the locker room.

Abhishek was key to India’s exciting win during the initial game, blasting 29 runs from a mere 12 balls. The 93-run first-wicket stand he built alongside Sanju Samson laid a strong foundation for India as they chased down a formidable 226-run target. Even though the Blackcaps clawed back control through the middle phase, an explosive, undefeated 42 off 15 deliveries by Naman Dhir propelled India to a remarkable four-wicket triumph, granting them a 1-0 lead in the series.

Abhishek Sharma calls on Team India to demonstrate their world champion status

In his speech to the squad, Abhishek highlighted errors committed by India throughout their previous T20I encounters with the West Indies, a series that finished tied at 2-2. He noted that the squad had treated their rivals far too comfortably and cautioned against making that error once more versus New Zealand.

“Few things from my side. I think against West Indies we did few mistakes, that we played them as our friends. I think same with these guys. They (NZ) are going to challenge us in that way as well. So, let us show them why we are world champions,” stated Abhishek.

He proceeded to advise his fellow cricketers that the Kiwis would present a formidable test as well, urging everyone to prove their skill out on the field. Abhishek’s Punjabi delivery rendered the moment all the more amusing, eliciting chuckles, grins, and applause from several teammates alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir. The scene provided an inside look at the squad’s upbeat locker-room environment leading up to a crucial match.

Watch the video below:

India aim to capitalise on exciting victory against New Zealand

The Indian side rode high on morale following their successful chase of 226 during the T20I opener. Samson paced the innings with a brilliant 67 from 33 deliveries, supported by Abhishek’s blistering cameo to deliver a fiery start. Earlier, New Zealand had set a total of 225/4—their supreme T20I tally at home versus India—driven by Glenn Phillips’ dynamic 82 not out off 40 balls along with Finn Allen’s 45 from 24. Additionally, Bevon Jacobs delivered late-overs firepower, hitting a swift 31 off 16 balls.

India suffered a brief setback when mid-inning dismissals stalled their momentum, yet Shreyas Iyer stabilized things with 42 off 28 balls prior to Dhir’s heroic finish. The visitors ultimately scaled the target, reaching 230/6 with two balls to spare (19.4 overs). As the second clash looms, Abhishek’s talk reinforced the necessity of sustaining high energy and taking opponents seriously. India seeks to maintain its victorious run, whereas New Zealand hopes to recover and equalize the series.