'My first target will be to wear the India jersey': Ashok Sharma set for T20I debut push

Fast bowler Ashok Sharma has earned his maiden senior national team call-up. 'My first target will be to wear the India jersey': Ashok Sharma hopes to make his international debut in the upcoming T20I series.

Sharma received his first selection to the senior national team ahead of the T20Is and has been vocal about his immediate aims. Sharma aims to take wickets and play as many matches as possible. He also dreams of representing India in Test cricket soon.

The selection represents Sharma's first opportunity at the international level after years in the domestic circuit. The call-up places him in contention for a debut during the short-format fixtures scheduled next. Team management will determine whether he gets an appearance in the playing XI during the series.

Sharma has outlined clear targets for his time with the senior squad, stressing the importance of making an impact with the ball. He has emphasised match participation and wicket-taking as the primary measures by which he wants to be judged. Those goals reflect his wish to establish himself quickly if given opportunities.

Beyond immediate ambitions, Sharma has spoken of a longer-term objective to graduate into the Test side. He also dreams of representing India in Test cricket soon. Dale Steyn remains his biggest inspiration for fast bowling.

The coming T20I series will provide Sharma with a platform to attempt to turn selection into sustained involvement. If he can achieve the wickets and match appearances he seeks, it would mark the start of the international chapter he has targeted.