Fast bowler Ashok Sharma is part of the Indian team for the tour of Zimbabwe. The 24-year-old expressed his emotions upon being selected for Team India, stating that wearing the national jersey has been a long-held dream.
The India-Zimbabwe teams will compete in a three-match T20 series from July 23 to 26. This right-arm bowler is now striving for his international debut after being selected for the senior team.
Discussing his goals before the series, Ashok mentioned that representing the country is his greatest motivation.
In an interview with ‘Geo Star’, Ashok said, “My first goal will be to wear India’s jersey. I am eagerly waiting for the moment I can wear that jersey and represent my country. I have waited a long time for this, so that will be my primary goal. Secondly, I will continue to do what I know best. Everything I have done so far-hard work in domestic cricket, preparation, and routine-I will just keep following that. I will focus on my strengths and won’t try to do anything extra.”
Ashok also shared his ambitions for the Zimbabwe tour, stating that if given the chance to play, he wants to make the most of it. He said, “Now that I am in the team for the series against Zimbabwe, my next goal will be to take as many wickets as possible and try to play as many matches as I can. I want to make the right use of this opportunity. After that, my next target will be to play red-ball cricket for India as soon as possible.”
Before being selected for the senior team, Ashok was part of the India-A team during the tour of Sri Lanka in June. He joined the team after fast bowler Yudhveer Singh was injured during fielding, which allowed him to train and travel with the developmental squad.
Ashok Sharma considers former South African great Dale Steyn as his role model. He stated, “Dale Steyn is a match-winning bowler in his own right. When he was on his game and bowling accurately, he could win matches single-handedly. He could turn a match around in just a few overs. I follow his aggressive style, run-up, enthusiasm, and the way he traps batsmen. Everything about him is inspiring. I look up to him as a fast bowler.”