'My first target will be to wear the India jersey': Ashok Sharma eyes dream debut

Ashok Sharma, a 23-year-old fast bowler from India, has expressed his excitement over being called into the senior national team for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. The young pacer described the moment as the realisation of a long-held dream, with his sights set on making his international debut during the three-match series in Harare, which begins on July 23 and concludes on July 26. Sharma is one of several uncapped players vying for a spot in the playing XI, and he has outlined clear goals for the tournament should he get the opportunity. In an interview with Jio Star, Sharma emphasized that his primary objective is simply to don the India jersey. “My first target will be to wear the India jersey,” he stated. “I am waiting for that moment to wear that jersey and represent my nation. I have waited for this for a long time.” The pacer acknowledged the significance of this milestone, noting that it has been his ultimate ambition throughout his career. Once he achieves this, he plans to continue focusing on his established techniques and routines, avoiding unnecessary experimentation. Sharma also laid out specific targets for the Zimbabwe series. If selected, he aims to perform consistently and take as many wickets as possible. His performance in this series could serve as a stepping stone toward another aspiration, playing Test cricket for India. “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,” he said. “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.” His inclusion in the senior squad follows his participation in the India A team’s tour of Sri Lanka in June. Sharma joined the squad as a replacement after pacer Yudhvir Singh suffered an injury while fielding, allowing him to gain valuable experience with the national development side. This exposure has prepared him for the challenges of international cricket. Reflecting on his influences, Sharma highlighted former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn as the cricketer who has most shaped his approach to fast bowling. “Dale Steyn is a bowler who is a match-winner in himself,” Sharma explained. “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 elaborated on what aspects of Steyn’s style he admires, including the aggressive mindset, intense run-up, and strategic approach to setting up batters. “I follow him in terms of his aggression, his run-up, his intensity and the way he used to set up batters,” Sharma said. “Everything about him is inspiring. He is someone I look up to as a fast bowler.” Sharma’s journey to this point has been marked by dedication and perseverance. From his early days in domestic cricket, he has worked tirelessly to refine his skills and prepare for opportunities such as this. Now, standing on the brink of his international debut, he is focused on seizing the moment and proving his worth on the global stage. His aspirations extend beyond the current series, with the ultimate aim of contributing to India’s success in all formats of the game.