India fast bowler Ashok Sharma says being called up to the national team for the first time is the fulfillment of a long-held dream and the youngster is now hoping to make his international debut in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. India will take on Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series in Harare from July 23 to 26 and Ashok is one of the players vying for a chance to make his debut for the national team. Ahead of the tour, the pacer said that donning the India jersey has always been his biggest wish. “My first goal will be to wear the India jersey. I am waiting for that moment to wear that jersey and represent my country. I have been waiting for a long time. So that will be the first thing. The second thing is that I will continue to do what I do best. Whatever I have done so far – the hard work, preparation and routine of domestic cricket – I will continue to follow. I will stick to my strengths and not try anything extra,” he told Jio Star. The 23-year-old also outlined his immediate goals for the Zimbabwe series and said he would like to make the most of the opportunity if he is named in the starting XI. Ashok added that performing well in the shortest format can help him get closer to another dream of representing India in Test cricket. “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 possible. I want to grab this opportunity. My next target after this will be to play red-ball cricket for India as soon as possible,” he added. Prior to Ashok’s selection, he was part of India A’s tour of Sri Lanka in June. He joined the team as a substitute after pacer Udvir Singh suffered an injury while on the field, giving him a chance to gain experience in the national development squad. The right-arm pacer also revealed the cricketer who has had the biggest influence on his fast bowling approach, naming the former South Africa pacer Dale Stein as his greatest inspiration. “Dale Steyn is a bowler who is a match-winner in his own right. On his day, when his bowling hits, he can win the match single-handedly. He can take the match away from the opponent in a few overs,” he said. Explaining his admiration for the legendary fast bowler, Ashok said Steyn’s attitude and approach had a lasting impact on him. “I look at his aggression, his run-up, his intensity and the way he sets up the batsmen. Everything about him is inspiring. He is a fast bowler that I respect,” he added.
