ABollywood-inspired promise turned into a statement of intent for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who backed up his words with an explosive knock against New Zealand in the third T20I.
India opener Abhishek Sharma revealed that the 14-year-old had invoked an iconic dialogue from the film ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ during their net session before delivering a blistering performance in India’s series-clinching victory.
Sooryavanshi had told Abhishek that he would bat in the same fearless fashion, borrowing the line, “Bhaiya, khelunga bhi waise hi” – meaning, “Brother, I will play the same way.”
The youngster certainly lived up to his words, smashing 45 off just 19 balls to give India a flying start in the chase of 199. Abhishek then took charge with a as India stormed to a six-wicket victory in just 13.2 overs at the Hnry Stadium on Tuesday.
‘Khelunga bhi waise hi’: Vaibhav backs up his Bollywood-inspired promise
Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the match, Abhishek recalled the youngster’s words during their practice session and praised him for carrying that aggressive mindset into the game.
“Yesterday, Vaibhav told me something in the nets that I will play the same way as in the Milkha Singh movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag dialogue ‘Bhaiya, khelunga bhi waise hi’,” Abhishek said.
For the Indian opener, Sooryavanshi’s approach was more than just entertaining strokeplay. It helped set the tone for the chase from the very first over, putting New Zealand’s bowlers under immediate pressure.
Sooryavanshi’s fearless start fires up Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek explained that watching Sooryavanshi attack New Zealand’s frontline fast bowler from the outset also lifted the confidence of the batter at the non-striker’s end.
“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,” he said.
The left-hander was quick to credit his young opening partner for setting the platform for India’s remarkable run chase.
“I feel special mention to Vaibhav. What he did today, I think, played a very crucial role today. So it goes to him,” Abhishek added.
The opening pair made light work of New Zealand’s attack, racing to 118 without losing a wicket in the powerplay –
India also reached 50 in just 2.2 overs, equalling the joint-fastest team fifty in the format, before crossing the 100-run mark inside five overs.
Abhishek praises India’s selfless team culture
Beyond the explosive opening partnership, Abhishek highlighted the team’s willingness to put collective goals ahead of individual roles.
He specifically praised Sanju Samson, who had opened in India’s previous two innings but adjusted his role as the team reshuffled its batting order.
“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.
“I feel like Sanju Bhai showed his character. The whole team showed their character,” he added.
India bowlers set the stage for record-breaking chase
Abhishek also acknowledged the bowlers for restricting New Zealand to 198/3 despite .
He praised the contributions of Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy, saying their efforts helped India keep the target within reach.
“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,” he said.
With Sooryavanshi delivering on his fearless promise and Abhishek producing a stunning century, India sealed the series in emphatic fashion.