India, March 8 -- Former players hailed the Indian management's decision to continue backing Abhishek Sharma as the opener, who was selected in the playing XI again, in their T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday. He justified his selection in the final with a half-century. (IND vs NZ LIVE Score T20 World Cup Final)

The match began with New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner winning the toss and opting to bowl. Abhishek looked confident against the pacers right from the start, taking down Jacob Duffy for two fours, and then Lockie Ferguson for a four and six in the fourth over. It was the perfect start as Sanju Samson was also causing mass destruction.

After a six over long-off against Matt Henry, Abhishek hammere...