‘My first target will be to wear India jersey’: Ashok Sharma eyes debut in Zimbabwe T20Is
New Delhi, July 21 (IANS) Fast bowler Ashok Sharma opened up about the emotions of earning his maiden India call-up and stated that wearing the national jersey has been a long-cherished dream as he is targetting an international debut after earning his maiden senior team call-up for the T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting Thursday.
The three-match series will be played in Harare from July 23 to 26, with the fast bowler in line to make his first appearance for India. Speaking about his immediate goals ahead of the series, Ashok said representing the country remains his biggest motivation.
“My first target will be to wear the India jersey. I am waiting for that moment to wear that jersey and represent my nation. I have waited for this for a long time. So that will be the first thing. The second thing is that I will keep doing what I know best. Whatever I have done till now- the hard work in domestic cricket, the preparation and the routines- I will just keep following that. I will stick to my strengths and not try anything extra,” he told Jio Star.
Ashok also outlined his ambitions for the Zimbabwe tour, saying he wants to make the most of the opportunity if he gets a chance to play.
“Now that I am in the squad for the series against Zimbabwe, my next target will be to take as many wickets as possible and try to play as many matches as I can. I want to make this opportunity count. My next goal after that will be to play red-ball cricket for India as soon as possible,” he added.
Before receiving his maiden senior India call-up, Ashok had also been drafted into the India A squad during the tour of Sri Lanka in June. He joined the side after pacer Yudhvir Singh suffered an injury while fielding, earning an opportunity to train and travel with the developmental squad.
The young quick also spoke about the fast bowler who has had the biggest influence on his game, naming former South Africa great Dale Steyn as his role model.
“Dale Steyn is a bowler who is a match-winner in himself. On his day, when his bowling was on point, he could win matches single-handedly. He could take the game away from the opposition in a matter of a few overs,” he said.
“I follow him in terms of his aggression, his run-up, his intensity and the way he used to set up batters. Everything about him is inspiring. He is someone I look up to as a fast bowler,” he added.
–IANS
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